A small corner deli in Sarnia, Ont. is paying it forward, one post-it at a time
A small deli in Sarnia is making a big impact in the community through its ‘Pending Meal’ program.
It was a busy Thursday afternoon inside Vicks Corner Deli and it's not just the tasty sandwiches, soups and salads that are attracting custumers.
But rather an opportunity to help someone in need.
"Everyone and anyone has been reaching out and donating to us,” says Brian Vickery, co-owner of Vicks Corner Deli.
It's dubbed ‘the pending meal’ — a campaign that is helping the downtown deli give back to its community one post-it at a time.
"I think it's a fantastic program, I couldn't be more thrilled to participate in it myself,” says Blake Morrison, a high school teacher who stopped by during his lunch to support the great cause and enjoy a tasty sandwich.
Vickery says he came up with the idea while out walking his dog one morning.
"I ran into a lady that recognized me from the deli, and handed me $20 and said when I went into work, if I saw anyone in need or anyone struggling to buy them lunch,” he says.
Vickery says it hasn't even been a week since they started the program but they are already overwhelmed by the community’s generosity.
"I love the idea, locally supporting the community during this time is fantastic," says Brent Freer, who came by to donate a meal.
The pay it forward program is very simple. People can make a donation in person, online or by e-transfer, and a post-it note goes up inside the deli.
"I thought this was a great idea and I had to come down to support it,” said Megan Nichol who donated two combos and wrote down ‘happy new year’ on her two post-it notes.
To date, over 1,200 soups and 700 sandwiches have been donated.
"It's not just the homeless, but anyone who's struggling, can come in, grab one of our post-its, give it to us, and we'll make them either a soup, a sandwich or a salad,” says Vickery.
“The people that have been utilizing it, are just as happy as can be, and as gracious as can be and that makes that makes everything worth it.”
And what initially began as a temporary way to help people during the winter months, will likely continue permanently.
"People are having a rough time, they're struggling year round, not just in the winter time. So you know if we can keep it going all the time than we will,” added Vickery.
The program is encouraging others to spread kindness. Adam Kilner came down to donate masks that his congregation made for people in need.
"We just want to make sure that people on our streets have access to the things that they need to have access because it's the right thing to do,” said Kilner.
And it's just that, the right thing to do is drawing hundreds of people to this small corner deli — with a big heart.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
It could take years to catch up on child vaccinations in Ontario post-pandemic
Ontario is still playing catch up on routine vaccinations that many children missed during the pandemic and public health officials are warning that it could take years to solve the problem.