MATT PREPROST Enlarge Image

Agape Table volunteer Martin Denny hands a celebratory piece of cake to one of the organization’s clients. Agape Table celebrated its 30th anniversary on Nov. 18.

The exact date is still the subject of debate, but for the staff and volunteers of Agape Table, it doesn’t overshadow the fact they’ve been helping serve the community for 30 years.

The West Broadway-based community nutrition program celebrated its 30th anniversary last week over bowls of soup, cake and a commitment to sustainable food programming for the needy.

"It’s time to change the narrative about hunger from rescue, pity and need, to choice, control and empowerment," said Mark Courtney, Agape’s executive manager.

"We know that the moment a person has the choice between receiving a free, donated meal, to paying as little as one dollar for a subsidized meal, they’re no longer passive recipients but are in control and able to access better nutrition."

Since opening its doors in 1980, Agape has served nearly two million breakfast meals. Today, it serves about 300 people each morning, an effort that requires the services of about 16 volunteers. For many individuals, Agape is the only place they can get a hot meal each day
"I just try to cheer up my little corner of the world," said Martin Denny, a St. James resident who has been volunteering at Agape for the past year.

"People that come here, they’re kind of considered a nuisance by people. But most of the people here are considerate, kind and good-natured. I like helping people and showing them compassion and goodwill."

Agape currently operates out of a hall at 175 Colony St. The organization has built a community that has literally grown in front of Al Rogowski’s eyes.

"This is my second family," said Rogowski, who has been volunteering at Agape since it began and he was living on the street. "It’s a home for a lot of people too. A lot of people here don’t have family and consider this their family.

"I’ve met a lot people that have come through here. I’ve seen a lot of friends come and go, I’ve also seen a lot of guests pass on," he added.

Agape continues to grow after some "soul-searching" in the community, Courtney said. The organization offers a grocery co-op, emergency food services, a food bank, and daytime programming for kids.

"It’s unfortunate that our services are necessary and continue to be, but we are here to serve a crisis and help people through hunger," he said. "But after we meet that crisis, then what? How can we escape from the cycle of crises in people’s lives? This is a positive, sustainable and powerful way to address these issues."

It’s a transformation that Denny said he’s proud to be a part of.

"Agape’s role is vital to giving people a hot meal first thing in the morning and a chance to socialize," he said. "It’s a place to warm your body, stomach and heart."

Visit www.agapetable.ca.

matt.preprost@canstarnews.com