Joe Fortes serves up a Christmas feast at the Vancouver Native Health Society
More than 150 mothers and children from the Downtown Eastside will enjoy a special holiday meal prepared by Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House at the Vancouver Native Health Society (VNHS) on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 1:30 p.m. onward. Guests will be served a traditional turkey dinner in fine-dining style with all the trimmings. The VNHS, established in 1991, provides medical, counseling and social services to the Downtown Eastside, with an emphasis for the Aboriginal people.
“We strongly believe in contributing to our community and feel deeply privileged to be working with the Vancouver Native Health Society – an organization that is vital to the Downtown Eastside but also underfunded,” explains Dotty Kanke, Co-Proprietor of Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House. “Our team has been working tirelessly in the past year to raise proceeds for a brand new state-of-the-art kitchen for the VNHS, and we are happy the dream has come to realization. Everyone should be able to enjoy a Christmas dinner, and this special meal allows us to give back to the city and, at the same time, celebrate the success of one of Joe Fortes’ goals for the VNHS. We hope to achieve many more.”
Joe Fortes has been serving a monthly meal to members of the VNHS since January, and the restaurant staff volunteer their time to assist. The Society normally has funding to feed 50 meals a day, but it is through generous gift card and monetary donations from friends that they are able to feed up to 200 people daily. Previous to Joe Fortes’fundraising efforts, the VNHS only had a very limited kitchen to cook in with one burner. Wednesdays specifically focus on mothers and children – to encourage them to participate in the health programs.
“Our members always look forward to the first Wednesdays of every month,” says Doreen Littlejohn, Coordinator of VNHS’ Positive Outlook Program. “We very much appreciate Joe Fortes’ continued commitment to the VNHS. Their support has been essential in assisting our clients throughout the year, especially since nutrition and well-balanced meals are an important part of caring for individuals in our community.”
In order to further elevate the Christmas spirit, Bud Kanke will arrive dressed as Santa Claus to spread holiday cheer to the children attending the luncheon. The menu also includes the classic sticky toffee pudding to celebrate the festive season.
For more information about the Vancouver Native Health Society, please visit www.vnhs.net.
About Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House (www.joefortes.ca)
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is a classic American style dining experience located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Our dedicated hospitality team has been offering guests more buzz, more hospitality and more variety since 1985. No matter the occasion, Joe Fortes promises unsurpassed personal attention, inventive menus and a unique dining experience.
About Vancouver Native Health Society (www.vnhs.net)
The Vancouver Native Health Society (VNHS) delivers medical, counseling and social services, with an emphasis on providing care to the Aboriginal community. All programs are accessible without fees to native and non-native individuals residing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
