The Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, Inc. strives to meet the most basic needs of the impoverished citizens of Westman by providing a nutritional meal, comfort, and assistance in a warm and caring environment.
History
The soup kitchen came into existence as a result of a group of individuals taking a life skills course through the John Howard Society. As a part of their reentry into society from the correctional system, they were required to plan an organization that would answer an identified need within the city. They chose a “soup kitchen” as the theme for their exercise. The plan they drew up came to the attention of a group of Brandon business people, who then raised money and put this plan into operation.
The Centre opened its doors on January 2nd, 1990, and on that day serviced just six meals. Since 1990, there has been a steady growth in the number of guests coming to the Centre. Helping Hands now strives to serve a nutritious, hot, three-course meal five days per week – often to over 175 patrons per day. All of this work is done with the help of two staff persons and a contingent of volunteers.
