Last Thursday the entire staff at TSG visited the San Romanoway Revitalization Association at Jane and Finch in Toronto, and cooked dinner for 40 kids, staff and volunteers for the afterschool program.
The dinner menu of Pasta Fagoli, Smiley Face French Fries and “Worms & Dirt” (chocolate pudding, crushed up Oreos and gummy worms) was met with a bit of hesitation from the staff, as this was definitely food that the children were not used to eating! However, after some convincing, we were able to get the menu approved, noting that it would be a good experience for the children to be exposed to something entirely different.
The staff worked together to get the food cooked by the time the kids were off the bus and ready to eat. Some of the kids hesitated when the food was placed in front of them while others dove right in but overall, every one of them at least took a bite (which was nice!). While some of the pasta fagoli remained on the plates, the smiley face french fries and worms and dirt were quickly devoured.
After the kids were done, they surprised us with a special presentation as a thank you.
Their youth came and played the African drums for us, and all of the kids had a blast dancing, clapping and singing along. The kids were all so bright, talented and extremely well-behaved. They were very appreciative and thanked us with warm hugs asking when we would be back to visit again.
We took lots of photos and videos and will post them soon. Overall it was a wonderful afternoon, and I know we all left there with happy hearts and smiles on our faces.
Which, at the end of the day, is all that really matters. :)
