The Big Give Hits The Spot

A project designed to help provide a nutritious restaurant meal to those less fortunate, help create economic activity for local restaurants and finally to help build morale and confidence locally in the face of the COVID - 19 pandemic has exceeded its expectations.

Initially set to raise a “lofty goal” of $10,000 The Big Give managed to raise $27,013 so far with the final total edging upwards after two weeks of its official deadline.

“WE actually had someone come in today and throw some money down,” Rob Clark CEO of the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce said on Tuesday afternoon.

Running during the month of March, The Big Give asked businesses and individuals to donate to raise money where all funds collected would go towards purchasing hearty and nutritious meals from the now 23 participating restaurants. The meals then would be distributed to those who needed them with the help of the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank and Hunger in Moose Jaw. The meals would generate economic activity and needed cash flow for local restaurants that have been doing their best to survive during the pandemic.

Clark said although The Big Give was designed to help local restaurants many have donates as well, something he has had to remind them the program was not designed to do. It was about the participating restaurant earning some extra money in tough economic times for the service industry.

“I had to remind a few not to discount their meals. This was not about you (the restaurant) donating to help out others this is about us giving back to you,” he said, adding they have to tell restaurants “we are not looking for a discount from you.”

John Iatridis (left) owner of The Mad Greek restaurant looks on as Rob Clark CEO of the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce introduces The Big Give and the first meals to be delivered - MJ Independent file photo

Asked if the program was designed to generate needed cash flow to local restaurants or was more of a morale booster Clark said “I think it is a bit of both.”

He said personally there is a reward in it all when he helps out in delivering the meals to those who maybe cannot or would have a hard time to afford a good nutritious restaurant meal on a tight budget.

“The morale in the Chamber building really goes up when you have things like children come up to you (while delivering the food) who are really happy to get (a good meal) and they say thank you.”

Clark said there is a need in the community during the pandemic but at the same time “there will always be some people out there in the community who could use a good and healthy restaurant meal and maybe could not or would struggle to afford it.”

Despite The Big Give being rewarding to Clark and those who help out he said it is not rewarding in the Chamber’s bank account as not one cent is used for administration of the program.

“We don’t take a penny and we, along with others, deliver food as needed.”

“All money collected goes directly to the participating restaurants we do not take anything for administering the project….it has been good it is interesting and feels good when you walk in there (a restaurant) and there are 65 meals sitting there…,we take a cheque and immediately give it to the restaurant they do not have to wait to be paid. The money goes into their pockets immediately,” Clark said.

At the present time The Big Give has delivered 620 meals from local restaurants and have more restaurants to go to as their turn comes up in the project. The amount collected divided by the 23 participating restaurants works out to about $1,200 in additional gross cash per restaurant.

Approximately 2600 meals will be delivered by the program with the amount collected so far. If anyone wants to donate contact Clark at the Chamber’s office as he is willing to accept any and all doantions.

Although the initial target of $10,000 now looks small compared to the $27,000 The Big Give raised Clark, the lifelong Moose Javian, said in some ways he is not surprised the target was crushed as it is just part of Moose Jaw’s character.

“Moose Jaw is like the Energizer Bunny they just keep giving back to the community.”