Charitable Initiatives
Paying it Forward
Canadian Food For Children
In 1981, amid a building expansion, Charlie McKenna faced an inventory drop. Turning a difficult time into an opportunity to give back, Charlie connected with local dermatologist Dr. Andrew Simone, the founder of Co-Workers of Mother Teresa - a charitable organization seeking storage space for donated food and room for volunteers to work. Combining their businesses in the same space, Charlie and Andrew’s missions both began to take off.
As Co-Workers of Mother Teresa grew, food was donated, bought, and stored in preparation to be sent overseas to missionaries around the world. With dozens of volunteers, the organization loaded out 250 containers of food and goods every year.
Continuing the partnership, McKenna asks clients to offer unwanted goods to the foundation, in an effort to decrease freight waste and increase McKenna’s initiative to pay it forward. Now called ‘Canadian Food For Children’, Andrew Simone and his wife continue their incredible work to this day.
“Our mission is to give every person on earth the opportunity to develop their soul. To allow them the health to go to school and work to live a life of dignity, to be protected from abuse, to freely choose the faith they wish to follow. I would like to help the poorest of the poor in the world.”
- Dr. Andrew Simone
The Compass Food Bank
McKenna supports The Compass Food Market, who offer no-charge grocery and household items shopping on a voucher system for qualifying individuals and families. The Compass Food Market drop-in centre provides a safe place to visit and a listening ear. Please visit thecompass.ca to learn more.
Armagh House
Unlike a first stage or crisis shelter, which responds to short-term emergencies, Armagh is a second-stage housing programme. McKenna supports Armagh as they work to secure affordable housing to abused women, with or without children, for up to one year. To learn more about the incredible support provided by Armagh House, please visit armaghhouse.ca.
Contact McKenna to learn more about our charitable commitments.
