The breakfast that keeps on giving: Gearing up for the fourth annual Great Big Give

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A Loving Spoonful and NEWS 1130 are partnering yet again for a “full-filling” fundraiser to help people in Metro Vancouver living with HIV/AIDS who are struggling to get the nutrition they need.

The fourth annual Great Big Give breakfast fundraiser is taking place at Mary’s on Davie on Dec. 21, between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., with all the proceeds going to A Loving Spoonful. The local charity provides close to 100,000 free, nutritious meals a year and nutritional support for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS and co-existing illness.

“We only received 20 per cent government funding, so we have to raise the rest through fundraising efforts and we’re really excited to partner again with NEWS 1130 for the Great Big Give on Dec. 21 and we hope everybody will come out and join us and give back a little to our community,” executive director Lisa Martella said.

For a minimum $5, anyone can enjoy a warm breakfast, take part in new activities such as the Pick-a-Present Game and attend a special fundraising announcement.
A Loving Spoonful hopes to raise $25,000 at Friday’s breakfast, but donations are always accepted on their website.

Vancouver artist Joe Average knows what a good meal can mean for someone’s physical and mental well being. Diagnosed with HIV more than 35 years ago, his health and financial situation has had its ups and downs. Around a decade ago, his health and business were in a rut, making it hard enough to afford decent meals, let alone prepare them.

“A friend was over and she saw in my garbage all these Swanson $1.49 frozen dinners and she said ‘oh no’ so she called up A Loving Spoonful and she got me hooked up with them,” he said. “They fed me for about three years until I got back on my feet and it was just awesome. I really was devastated and I don’t know if I could have handled one more Swanson chicken frozen fried dinner. I love them.”

A Loving Spoonful’s clients often have serious mobility issues as well as health issues, according to Martella, so knowing where that next meal is coming from can be important for their well being — physically and mentally.

The meals are tailored to every individual’s needs, including diet restrictions and nutritional needs. The meals are all packed and distributed by volunteers, and Martella says they are always looking for more people to help.

Average was in the packing room for the first time recently, helping give back to the charity that fed him through the hard times.

“It’s just the most basic necessity. It’s the perfect gift,” he said. “If you wast to have a little Christmas spirit injected into your personal season, the giving thing is always the most awesome thing to do at this time of year. Go out have a breakfast, donate some money. Go do it, what’s stopping you?”