Food meant for free meals stolen from Penetanguishene church
A church in Penetanguishene is turning a recent theft into an opportunity to reinforce forgiveness and community.
With preparations well underway for the free Christmas Turkey Dinner for those in need, members of the All Saints Church noticed some of their food and supplies were missing.
"So, I watched the video, and low and behold, two of our guests were just rifling everything into bags and then looking for a bigger bag and put more in," said Sue Savage, church administrator.
Staff say those responsible were already receiving help from the church.
The incident hit Rev. Eileen Steele hard.
"I cried for two days now because if anyone knew us, they know what we do. Just ask, and you will receive," Steele said.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The church operates on the generosity of the community to support the free meals, which have grown from feeding 80 to an expected 200 attendees for the upcoming Christmas dinner.
Despite the setback, the community rallied in support, ensuring the theft would not impact the dinner.
"It's just overwhelming to me. People were just going to give this and give that. We had a gentleman bring in 100 pounds of potatoes," said Savage. "It's like... oh my goodness."
The reverend noted the incident reinforced their reasoning for providing the free meals - to foster relationships and kindness.
The decision was made not to involve the police in the matter but rather to love one another despite any differences.
"It doesn't matter how you're dressed or who you are or who you love or what you've done or what you've not done," added Steele.
Volunteers will serve the meals on Saturday to those in need, adding it's what Christmas is all about.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates Provinces look to Saskatchewan on how to collect millions more for victims of crime
A W5 investigation showed how convicted criminals ordered to pay restitution struggled to do so, and how just $7 million of more than $250 million had been claimed. While many provinces struggle to keep track, Saskatchewan is leading the way in making sure victims get their money.
'Tragic and sudden loss': Toronto police ID officer who died after suspected medical episode while on duty
A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
Who received the longest jail terms in the Gisele Pelicot rape trial?
A French court found all 51 defendants guilty on Thursday in a mass rape case including Dominique Pelicot, who repeatedly drugged his then wife, Gisele, and allowed dozens of strangers into the family home to rape her.
PM Justin Trudeau planning sizable Friday cabinet shuffle, sources say
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a sizable cabinet shuffle on Friday, sources confirm to CTV News. The long-awaited reconfiguration of Trudeau's front bench comes amid turmoil for the Liberal government after the shocking resignation of Chrystia Freeland.
The Royal Family spreads holiday cheer with new Christmas cards
The Royal Family is spreading holiday cheer with newly released Christmas cards.
Youth support worker found guilty of sexually assaulting B.C. boy in government care
A former youth support worker has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in B.C. government care – an incident that followed months of secret hangouts and shirtless massages that were in clear violation of his employer's policies.
'Theodore Too' refloated after partial sinking in St. Catharines
The life-size replica of Theodore Tugboat, Theodore TOO, is upright again after suffering a partial sinking Tuesday.
Love, excitement and emotional reunions as holiday travel hits its peak
Air Canada alone estimates it will move two million passengers over the holidays, with Dec. 19 to Dec. 23 being the peak period.
Child struck by vehicle south of London has died
According to an online fundraiser organized by a family friend, the boy who was hit by a driver south of London earlier this week has died.