Ajax Mayor’s Gala Raises $135,000 For Salvation Army Commercial Kitchen

“The Ajax Mayor’s Gala World Cruise” raised $135,000 to complete a commercial kitchen in the new Salvation Army Community Building at 35 King’s Crescent in Ajax.

The two-storey seven and a half-million-dollar building currently under construction is just over 20,000 sq. ft. and includes a worship space in what is being called a gymnatorium for multi-use. The centre will be available to any group or organization in need of a place to meet and hold events.

Salvation Army Pastor Jason Sabourin says the commercial kitchen will allow them to offer more hot meals and programming in the community.

“Right now, we provide a few lunch meals during the week in-house and deliver to two shelters off-site. The new commercial kitchen will allow us to expand on that,” said Pastor Jason . “We will have greater functionality and greater range and be able to offer sit down meals for our special seasonal dinners.”

Pastor Sabourin says the new commercial kitchen will also allow The Salvation Army to offer cooking classes for job skills to possibly turn into employment, in addition to a class on learning to cook on a budget. The large kitchen will also increase their food support during large disasters in the area.

“The Mayor’s Gala has been supporting The Salvation Army for many years and this year the team was so generous and we are grateful for their support,” said Pastor Sabourin. “At this year’s gala we were the charity of choice and the cruise ship theme and entertainment made it such a fun event!”

Over the last four years, the Mayor’s Gala has raised just over $700,000 for local charities in the community that make a profound impact. In the first year the Mayor’s Gala supported The Salvation Army’s outreach vehicle and funds have also supported the lockers at the town hall.

“One of the things we set out to do is fund community initiatives that will have an impact for decades to come. This commercial kitchen will benefit residents for as long as this building stands,” said Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier. “The Salvation Army is a hub that serves so many people affected by homelessness and food insecurity.”

“Our vision for this building has been a labour of love. We have great support from our community, including the Mayor’s Gala, and we are so appreciative,” said Pastor Sabourin.

Construction on the new kitchen will be complete by late October and The Salvation Army will be moving into the new building by the end of the year.

To donate to The Salvation Army please visit salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By:  Caroline Franks