The Community Exchange in Altona is looking for more volunteers for its monthly Community Meal program.
Everyone is invited to TCE’s space at 116 Main St. the last Saturday of every month to enjoy an evening of food and fellowship.
Since getting started in fall of 2022, the program has grown to serve over 150 people each month.
“It’s grown from maybe a bit over 100 people the first couple of times. I think word has gotten out in the community,” says Mark Thiessen-Dyck, a TCE board member and pastor at the Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church, which started up the program. “It’s such a diverse group, one that’s more representative of the population of our town than most other events or gatherings that I go to.”
Thiessen-Dyck says they drew inspiration from the monthly community meal, Café 545, at Central Station in Winkler.
“When I went there and I saw how diverse a group of people came and the connections that happened there … I just thought this would be a really great thing for Altona, and lots of people in our church and beyond agreed.”
Making it free ensures there’s no barrier to an individual or family coming out to enjoy the evening, he adds.
“Our hope was that it would bring people together in the community who don’t normally connect. It could build connections, relationships, contribute to a healthier, more peaceful, more connect community.”
The meal has been such a success that organizers hope to expand it to twice a month later this year.
To do that, though, they need a bit more help by way of sponsorships and volunteers.
“Right now we’re working at building capacity, getting more volunteers involved, reaching out to other churches, community groups, and businesses to see if they’re willing to help out,” Thiessen Dyck says.
It takes a team of about 10 people to help with set up, serving, and clean up. Ideally, they’d like to have a different group on hand every month so as to not burn volunteers out.
“If you’re a group of friends, if you’re a church small group or a business and you and your colleagues want to get together and give back to the community” then they want to hear from you, Thiessen-Dyck says, encouraging potential volunteers to reach out to him at 204-324-6717 or marktd@abchurch.ca
The call for volunteers has already gained some traction, with Access Credit Union sending a team out for the January meal, Altona town council on tap for February, and Golden West Broadcasting scheduled to help in March.
“We’re very grateful that it’s been embraced and supported,” Thiessen-Dyck says.
Thiessen-Dyck notes they’re also looking for another cook or two to relieve the current chef in the kitchen some months.
“One of our biggest needs is a cook—somebody, or a couple people, who could take leadership in cooking the food.”
Upcoming TCE community meals take place Feb. 24, March 23, and April 27.
Supper is served from 5-6:30 p.m.
