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NTN Canada helps Toronto’s homeless enjoy a Special Holiday Meal as part of its Happier Smiles Campaign


 

 - Toronto - Corporate - News

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NTN Canada launched its 'Happier Smiles, Happier Faces' initiative to help homeless people at Haven Toronto enjoy a hot meal this holiday season.

‘We were thrilled to be able to offer those in need a delicious warm lunch and comradery this holiday season so that they know they are wanted and loved,” says Paul Meo, President and CEO of NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada. “The event featured a complete holiday meal and a clothing donation for each guest. This has been our third Christmas lunch that NTN has served at Haven Toronto, chosen because the homeless that use this drop-in centre are facing difficult circumstances. With a free holiday meal comes the realization that hope is not far away for those that are struggling, and hopefully this event has given some hope and knowledge that there are people in our community who care.”

NTN's employees organized a special holiday lunch on December 20th to feed the homeless at Haven Toronto. The heartwarming event offered sit down meals in an outdoor canopy tent along with take-out service for 200 people. The three-course festive lunch included a pork roast, turkey, roast beef and chicken, all roasted outside using a traditional pig roaster. NTN also provided vegetarian options and hot drinks to go with each meal and offered care packages of gently used clothing to those in need. To control the spread of coronavirus, this event was held outside of the Haven Toronto facility with a queuing system in place.

Mr. Meo felt that mounting incidences of homelessness and mental health issues needed to be addressed for those experiencing difficulties. "The lack of housing and rising food prices have put many individuals in a very difficult spot as food insecurity continues to be far above pre-pandemic levels. In addition social isolation due to COVID has been very hard on people. The global pandemic means thousands of homeless people continue to fall through the gaps of support and are struggling."

Since NTN Canada made their plans for the holiday lunch and jean donation drive known, support and encouragement has come from both staff and industry partners alike in an outpouring of Christmas spirit. Many NTN staff members volunteered their time to prepare, package and serve the meals outside the drop-in centre together with additional help from volunteers from Sunset Speedway. NTN staff also donated, sorted and packaged used jeans and track pants for distribution to those in need at Haven Toronto, and NTN's CEO, Mr. Paul Meo, donated his personal time to cook the pork and beef roast outdoors adjacent to the drop-in centre to help make the festive meal extra special. The holiday lunch was generously supported by Bottwood Acres Farms, who donated the pig and beef roast, and by the team at Haven Toronto led by Executive Director, Lauro Monteiro, who arranged for distribution of the meal packages.

“It was truly a community event aimed at those that may not be able to put together a holiday meal of their own, and who may not have friends or family to celebrate with this Christmas season," explains Mr. Meo. "Outreach initiatives such as this holiday lunch for Haven Toronto are an integral part of NTN's Community Spirit program Happier Smiles, Happier Faces, aimed at pioneering positive social changes in local communities throughout Canada. I’m very proud of NTN’s staff and industry partners, and the things we can accomplish when we work together. It shows we are caring about one another, and we all want to work together for the betterment of society.”

Haven Toronto is the only charity in Canada that assists homeless and/or marginalized men aged 50 or older. Homeless facilities, already in tough positions, are facing even more hardships due to the pandemic. You can help – grab a group of coworkers, neighbours or friends to volunteer and donate food. Everyone can make a difference! Visit www.haventoronto.ca to learn more.

 

 


About Haven Toronto

Founded in 1933, Haven Toronto is the only drop-in centre in Canada dedicated to elder men age 50+ impacted by poverty, homelessness and isolation. Open every day all year including all major holidays, Haven Toronto reduces barriers to health care, housing and food security for elder men. The drop-in centre serves thousands of clients annually and sees, on average, 400+ clients a day. Learn more at www.haventoronto.ca

About NTN

Founded in 1918, NTN is one of the world's largest producers of premium quality ball and roller bearings, long recognized for the most stringent quality standards in the industry. With plants around the globe and a strong domestic manufacturing network, over 80% of the products sold by NTN in North America are made by one of the ten plants the company operates in Canada and the USA. NTN is also a leading provider of bearing services which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. NTN's company vision is "to transform into Canada’s leader of the Ultimate Bearing Experience." For more information: www.ntn.ca

NTN Contact

Rita Payne, NTN Marketing: rpayne@ntn.ca