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The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission began with a simple act of kindness. In the early 1990s, Andy and Pat Gervais opened their home to feed people in need—offering a warm meal and a sense of dignity to anyone who came to the door. Their quiet commitment sparked something greater, and soon, others in the community joined in to help.
Among them was Tim McAllister, who found purpose and healing through service. Along with a dedicated group of early volunteers, Tim helped formally establish the Mission in 1999. Many of those original volunteers remain involved to this day—faithfully showing up week after week, year after year. Their loyalty, love, and labour are the backbone of everything we do.
As the years have gone on, the Mission has grown into much more than a meal program. Today, we serve hot meals every weekday, offer access to our food bank and clothing cupboard, and host seasonal events that bring people together in times of both need and celebration. But no matter how our services have expanded, the Mission has always been rooted in fellowship—neighbours supporting neighbours.
That spirit of fellowship is what makes the Mission truly special. Whether it’s sharing a laugh with a guest, listening to someone’s story, or simply offering a cup of coffee and a warm place to sit, every interaction reminds us that compassion matters. During the pandemic, we were all reminded how vital connection is—especially for those who are struggling. The Mission continues to be a safe, welcoming space where people can find not only nourishment, but also friendship and understanding.
We are proud to say the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission is entirely community-run—with no paid staff. Our work is powered by volunteers and sustained by the generosity of the people and businesses of Amherstburg. Every meal we serve and every service we provide is a reflection of this community's passion and commitment.
Volunteers are our greatest strength. From those who’ve served since the beginning to new hands just starting out, every person makes a difference. Many of our long-time volunteers are now aging, and their years of dedication have laid a foundation we hope others will carry forward. We always welcome new volunteers—especially those willing to lend a few hours a week to help with cleaning, dishes, sorting, or simply being present. The work isn’t always glamorous, but it is deeply fulfilling.
As we share our story in this cookbook, we celebrate not only the meals that nourish us, but the people who make them possible. Our Mission lives by the motto: "People HELPING People"—and every dish, every act of service, is a reminder of what that can mean.
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You don't have permission for this recipe Karen's Favourite Antipasto
You don't have permission for this recipe Nona's Sicilian Stuffed Artichokes
You don't have permission for this recipe Tracy's Sausage Balls
You don't have permission for this recipe Kelly's Moon Milk
You don't have permission for this recipe Mackie's Smoothie Bowl
You don't have permission for this recipe Anna & Simon's Mushroom, Spinach & Cheddar Quiche
You don't have permission for this recipe Tony's Brunch Hash Bake
You don't have permission for this recipe Helen's Favourite Bread Sauce
You don't have permission for this recipe Big Mama's Lemon Pie
You don't have permission for this recipe Blockhouse Bill's Favourite Pie Crust
You don't have permission for this recipe Blockhouse Bills Favourite Pie Filling
You don't have permission for this recipe Brooke's Simple Royal Icing
You don't have permission for this recipe Brooke's Sugar Cookies with Warm Vanilla & Cinnamon
You don't have permission for this recipe Cecile's Coffee Cake
You don't have permission for this recipe Les' Favourite Pork Fruit Cake
You don't have permission for this recipe Marty's Favourite Rugelach
You don't have permission for this recipe Shawn's Lemon Meringue Pie
You don't have permission for this recipe Tammy's Chewy Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies
You don't have permission for this recipe The Mayor's Banana Bread
You don't have permission for this recipe Andrew's Cheesy Shepherd's Pie
You don't have permission for this recipe Anne's Salmon with Capers
You don't have permission for this recipe Barbados Fried Flying Fish
You don't have permission for this recipe Dan's Smash Burger
You don't have permission for this recipe Doug's Fall Comfort Stuffed Peppers
You don't have permission for this recipe Elliott Family Western Stew
You don't have permission for this recipe Greg's Souper Meat & Potatoes Casserole
You don't have permission for this recipe Jen's Busy Mom Chili
You don't have permission for this recipe Lamb Lollipops (pair with Risotto)
You don't have permission for this recipe Larry's Smoked Ribs & Sauce
You don't have permission for this recipe Mama Ure's Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry
You don't have permission for this recipe Mike's Risotto with Lamb Lollipops
You don't have permission for this recipe Norbert's 3 Cheese and Mushroom Pasta
You don't have permission for this recipe Potato Gnocchi with Beef Short Rib Ragu' and Pecorino Chip
You don't have permission for this recipe Anna's Potato Gnocchi
You don't have permission for this recipe Gaye's Hot Cheese Potato Salad
You don't have permission for this recipe Barbados Peas n' Rice
You don't have permission for this recipe Hoummos b'tahini (Chickpea Dip)
You don't have permission for this recipe M'judra (Lentils and Rice)
You don't have permission for this recipe Risotto (pair with Lamb Lollipops)
You don't have permission for this recipe Annette's East Coast Seafood Chowder
You don't have permission for this recipe Laura's Lasagna Soup
You don't have permission for this recipe Park House Museum’s Winter Vegetable Soup
You don't have permission for this recipe Rose's Minestrone Soup