ZLC Volunteers Prepare 100 Meals for the Food Insecure

Thanksgiving is the time of year when gratitude and giving back go hand-in-hand. In the spirit of that, ZLC put together an opportunity for our team to not only fill bellies but to also bring joy and connection to those who need it most.

On October 10th, 13 volunteers from ZLC donated their time to cook up and serve a delicious meal at Save On Meats Diner for members of our community who are food insecure. Throughout the night, they served 100+ guests who enjoyed a 3-course meal prepared from scratch. In addition to the dinner, ZLC and its staff donated over $5,000 to enable Plenty of Plates to continue their vital work.

Huge thank you to ZLC’s amazing crew for helping in the kitchen and making a positive impact in our community!

What our team had to say about the experience:

“The Plenty of Plates experience was extremely impactful and brought home the difference between “giving to a worthy cause versus actually doing for a worthy cause”. The “front line” experience of seeing the benefits, responses, gratitude and impact so blatantly directly is what made this such a profound and meaningful experience.’’ – John Lutrin, ZLC President.

“The Plenty of Plates night reminded us that the hungry people of Vancouver are also part of our community. It is our duty to give back, continue to be grateful, and have fun!” – Cecillya Sumono, ZLC Receptionist.

“It was a fun, teambuilding experience and it allowed us to give back to the community. Would highly recommend this to others and do it again.” – Lisa Der, ZLC Wealth Account Manager

“Best teambuilding event we’ve done, hands-down.  It was an incredible experience getting to be so hands-on while giving back to our community.  We’re excited to partner with A Better Life Foundation and make this a regular thing!” – Sheena Louie, ZLC Office Manager

“This was a memorable evening of meeting and serving many individuals from all walks of life. I have a new perspective now and look forward to the opportunity to participate in this type of event again”. Terilyn Bloss, ZLC Account Executive.

The Cause

A message from Ash MacLeod, Managing Director of A Better Life Foundation:

First and foremost, this event is about feeding people. Feeding people who need warmth on a cold October night and raising critical funds to support our programs that feed those same people throughout the year. But food is the conduit. It connects us all in such a powerful way, that when that connection is bolstered with compassion, service with dignity, and open hearts, everyone involved leaves with lives changed and a deeper understanding of the humanity we all share.

ZLC came with open hearts, but perhaps unsure of how they would be filled. Perhaps some expected a team building experience similar to ones they have experienced before, or a volunteering opportunity to feed some hungry folks in an assembly line. But like anything, ZLC got what they put into it and the passion they brought to the dining room was returned with zealous enthusiasm. They learned how to chop onions, make a three course meal to feed 100+ people and what poverty in our city actually looks like. They solved problems in the kitchen and became part of the solution our city desperately needs. I am happy that they have become partners, advocates and family.

It’s humbling that they’ve honoured us with this support so we can do the work that we need to do every year and spread the message of this opportunity to their network.

With love and solidarity!

If you’re interested in organizing a Plenty of Plates night with your own friends, family, or colleagues, contact Amber Westgate for details.

ZLC Community Investment

One of ZLC’s most central objectives is to give back to the community around us and Plenty of Plates is a great opportunity for us to bring real-life change to those most in need. In addition to this involvement, ZLC encourages our team to get involved in making a difference all year round. One notable company endeavour is the annual ZLC Foundation Charity Golf Tournament which has raised over $1.3 MILLION in the past 34 years.

Learn more about our community involvement here.