How It All Began

In the Beginning

In 2001 the Outreach Committee of George Street United Church was approached by Kathleen Pratt LeGrow on behalf of the LeGrow Family regarding the Church’s plan to remodel the church lecture hall and the existing kitchen to begin an outreach program based on offering weekly meals. Kathleen, on behalf of the family and as a dedication to her late brother Jimmy Pratt, offered to provide the necessary funding to carry out renovations and bring the kitchen up to the required commercial standards.

In January 2002, the Jimmy Pratt Memorial Outreach Centre served its first weekly meal with some 45 patrons being served.

Some of our original volunteers are still volunteering in the kitchen today. Mr. Frank Norman was the original volunteer cook and manager of the Centre and his service has been commemorated on our “Wall of Fame” at the Centre along with other long-time volunteers that have since passed away.

The Centre has grown tremendously since it began, as has the need for support services for those facing challenges in everyday life.