I conducted a quick poll to ask people what the words “A Loving Spoonful”, mean to them.

Many people cited a well-known band from a few decades back, but then other people went on to say things like:

“Mary Poppins and a spoonful of sugar.” – Brigette

Elizabeth and Lisa both said “soup”

and

“It makes me think of a generous portion of something… aka “add a loving spoonful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough” said Maddie.

Several people noted that it made them think of an aids fundraiser, or a not-for-profit, and Cynthia said that the name is about the mission to feed.

It is this association with the desire to feed, to nourish, that the charity, A Loving Spoonful presents their annual fundraiser Dining Out for Life this week.

Dining Out for Life

On Thursday, March 30, 2017, Dining Out For Life (DOFL) returns for its 23rd year in support of people living with HIV/AIDS in our community.

Dine out for breakfast, lunch or dinner at any of these participating restaurants and support people living with HIV/AIDS right here at home.

My husband Andrew and I were lucky to be invited to our friends Fred Lee & Joshua McVeity’s pre-DOFL gathering at Timber restaurant in Vancouver. More than 50 people gathered and dined with proceeds to DOFL.

And on Thursday we are aiming for another date night.

Go Out for Dinner This Thursday

Thanks to Dining Out for Life for the following info from their press release:

From Whistler to White Rock and across the Lower Mainland, these generous restaurant partners will contribute 25% of their food sales to A Loving Spoonful. All proceeds directly benefit the programs and services they provide free-of-charge, including:

• An average 100,000 meals per year delivered by volunteers to those affected by HIV/AIDS in Metro Vancouver and surrounding regions
• Nutritional counselling and meal planning
• Easter Sundays where chefs donate their time to cook for a group of 50-60 people
• Family Pantry Program where families receive fruits, vegetables, and other pantry essentials.
• Snack Packs all clients receive: fresh fruit, yogurt, bread, juice, milk and more.

HIV/AIDS IN BC: In 2011, the Public Health Agency of Canada estimated 71,300 people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada — with over 25% residing in British Columbia. Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside maintains the highest HIV prevalence in the Western world, reaching as high 27%.
While new infection rates in B.C. have thankfully decreased, advanced therapies mean people with HIV/AIDS are living longer and the number of people who depend on the services of A Loving Spoonful continues to grow.

Dine out on Thursday, March 30, 2017 and make it a day to remember.