The owners of a local restaurant spread some serious holiday cheer recently.
On December 13, Steve and Mary's On the Square in Goderich, served over 150 less fortunate people and families with a full Christmas experience. Mary Bruce, who owns the restaurant with husband Steve, says this was something they really felt they had to do.
"There's so many people in need this time of year, all year round really, but this time of year especially. We see many people that are struggling to make ends meet. So what we wanted to do, even if it was just for one day, just make that day easier for the holidays," Mary enthused.
Mary says the day featured a bunch of great moments.
"We did a free turkey dinner, we did the food hampers for families and toys for the kids. Santa was here, we had a band, the mayor was here. It was a great time. The community came together and they did a lot of generous donations, food, toys, even monetary donations, as well," added Mary.
The Bruces opened the restaurant four years ago, and Mary, who grew up in the area, says they wanted to do something special to help those in the community who needed it.
"My husband, Steve and I came to this community four years ago when we opened the restaurant, and I'm from here, and I wasn't aware of the need, and how much of a struggle it is for some people. With COVID, and everything else. It just means so much that we could give even just that one little light of hope," Mary proudly shared.
Many local businesses stepped up to donate and the community donated plenty of food and cash to help. Mayor Trevor Bazinet and members of council came out, and helped to spread some cheer. Mary says she's so thankful for everyone who helped them put on the event.
"We had over 30 people volunteering the day of and a couple days before, we had 12 to 15 people in here wrapping presents, putting the hampers together, just having a great time. But the amount of people, it blew Steve and I away, the amount of people that just wanted to help, it means a lot," Mary concluded.
Mary adds this will now be an annual event at the restaurant.