More Than a Lunch Served up to London High School Students

A free meal brings Sir Wilfred Laurier Secondary School students to The Salvation Army London Westminster Park Community Church, but it is the safe environment that keeps them coming back.

Every third Tuesday of the month, to ensure food security, Westminster Park opens its doors at lunch to serve 80-100 students from the high school across the parking lot from the church.

“We are setting an example in being a good neighbour and we want to build relationships with students who are seeking a safe and welcoming space,” says Pastor Melissa Sunnuck, Assistant Ministry Director at Westminster Park.

Some students will stay and have lunch in the church lobby, or use the space to study, and some take the meal to go, but all students leave feeling supported and encouraged.

Brenda and Dave Weaver, two volunteers who have been with the program for three years, said that their aim is to show the students unconditional love, kindness, and respect.

“It seemed to be a good fit for us when we started. It’s such a blessing and we enjoy talking with the kids. We do it because it’s what we were called to do,” Brenda explains.

While not the intent, the program has helped some students open up and ask for prayers, and even seek spiritual guidance, Pastor Sunnuck says.

“There is an opportunity to talk about faith if students choose. It’s gone from ‘can you pray for me’ to ‘will you pray with me?’ We have demonstrated that we care, and the students have responded.”

Grade 10 Laurier student Kaitlyn regularly stops into the church to receive a meal. “It’s a nice environment and the people are very friendly. It’s very welcoming and we enjoy the food. I was surprised that the people would be so nice to us and would give food for free,” she says.

Noah, a Grade 11 Laurier student, says he now considers volunteer Dave Weaver a friend. “Dave is the only reason I go. We have conversations that are absolutely amazing.”

Westminster Park has developed important community partnerships with Jeff Ste. Marie from Youth for Christ in London. Jeff regularly lends his volunteer support to the high school meal program at Westminster Park.

Thank you to Sir Wilfred Laurier Secondary School teachers and students for giving back in support of the local Salvation Army food drive by donating and sorting food to keep people from going hungry.

To support The Salvation Army’s food security programs and services, or to learn more, please visit www.salvationarmy.ca/ontario.