Beginning on Sunday, February 2, a local initiative to help the homeless in Hawkesbury will move from its original location to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church hall located at 440 Stanley Street.
Hawkesbury resident, Rhéal Thibodeau, started L’Acadien Préférer in late 2024 to offer hot food, personal care items, and clothing every Sunday to vulnerable individuals. Thibodeau’s operation continues to be held in the parking lot between Burger King and Restaurant Carole in downtown Hawkesbury until the move takes effect.
“We have people who stop on the side of the road to check and pick up a dog in the cold, but we have people purposely avoiding the homeless population on our streets,” Thibodeau stated.
“It’s not right.”
Thibodeau’s team will be at the hall between 10 a.m. and noon to set up and prepare the meals. Individuals in need will be able to enjoy a warm meal and use the washroom facilities from noon until 2:30 p.m. every Sunday.
The partnership with the church began when Deputy Church Warden Randal Storey approached Thibodeau through Facebook, citing Thibodeau’s effective use of social media to spread local awareness of his initiative.
“We had a meeting with the parish council, and we voted unanimously to offer our church hall to Rheal and his group so that we could have a great partnership with him,” Storey said.
The new partnership will allow individuals to receive hot food, beverages, and other items in a heated environment that has access to washrooms and a kitchen.
Storey explained that the church hall was built in 1961 with funds from Scouts Canada, “It’s kind of a community space and we’re excited to partner with L’Acadien Préférer.”
Thibodeau strongly emphasizes compassion without judgment when helping those in need. He says that his initiative is meant to bring the community together, highlight the struggles of those in need locally, and lift one another in times of difficulty and division.
“We have to return to the heart; don’t judge, and help those people in need,” Thibodeau concluded.
“We want to reach our goal of feeding 300 people a week, then 1,000.”
Donations and volunteers are always welcome. Non-perishable food items, new and warm clothing, as well as personal care items are encouraged, though cash donations are also appreciated.
Photos by Philip Oddi:
