Highway Community Kitchen

06/01/2026

Calling all accountants and CPAs!

Highway Community Kitchen is looking for guidance on filing our annual corporate income tax return. As a newly incorporated non-profit, we're interested in learning what services are available and what costs we should expect.
If you can help, or know someone who can, please leave a comment, tag them below, or email us at [email protected].
We appreciate any advice or referrals. Thank you!

05/30/2026

Wednesday and Thursday were unusually quiet at Highway Community Kitchen, so by Friday morning we convinced ourselves it would be another slow hot day. Out went the planned hot meal and in came a cold plate lunch instead. 😄

Well… surprise!

A wonderful crowd of guests arrived, and somehow everything came together perfectly, including the food count, which miraculously stretched far enough for everyone.

We were lucky to have great help from Ahmed and Dawn, as we usually do on Fridays, along with Terry from Enns Brothers Community Support. We also welcomed Brian Dagg, who drove all the way from Winnipeg to see what has been keeping his sister so busy. Under the guidance of the whole crew, especially Ahmed, Brian jumped right in, did a fantastic job, and says he plans to come back!

To top it all off, we had two sweet babies visiting today who made the room feel even brighter.

Some days at the kitchen are carefully planned.
Some days just unfold on their own.
And somehow, those often become the best ones. ❤️

05/29/2026

Some days at the old SK are just right.

Today was one of those days.

I got to work alongside great people, and the food turned out pretty good too.
Then we were fortunate enough to have some of our favorite people stop by.
First, Mar came in to help with the burger if needed. Then Ar showed up with laundry, and Carol rolled in with supplies. Each of them brought smiles and happiness to an already fine day, making it even more special.

A big thank you as well to Betty Jean for pitching in, and to Ahmed for keeping me laughing with his great sense of humor.

Some days are busy. Some days are challenging.

And some days are just plain great. ❤️

05/26/2026

Today we were truly fortunate to be joined by two very special volunteers — Mayor Sharilyn Knox and Don Staples from
Oakville.
From the first pots being stirred to the last dishes being dried, both Mayor Knox and Don rolled up their sleeves and
became part of the heart of the kitchen for the day. They helped prepare lunch, served our guests with kindness and
warmth, and never hesitated to step in wherever help was needed.
Many of our guests appreciated the opportunity to speak with the Mayor about both concerns and positive
changes they see happening in Portage la Prairie. Those conversations mattered.
Don also shared some wonderful moments reconnecting with people he knew, including former kids he once
coached. Seeing those familiar smiles and connections reminded us how small acts of community can stay with
people for years.
And in what may be the highest compliment of all — both Mayor Knox and Don tackled dishes and cleanup with such
enthusiasm that they earned Ahmed’s full approval. 👍🏻
We are deeply grateful to both of them for giving not just their time, but their presence, compassion, and willingness to
truly join in. Days like this remind us that a community kitchen is about far more than food. It is about people showing
up for one another. 💚
And regrettably we forgot to take pictures. 🤦‍♀️So we will post a few from the other times they have joined us at the kitchen. Thank you so much for your help.

05/23/2026

Our community kitchen had a busy day today. Marlene, Arlene, Howard, Dawn, Lynda, and Leanne prepared lunch, while Tracy, Ahmed, Gary, Carol, Will Rob, Cliff, and Jenna managed the BBQ. We appreciate everyone's contributions. Our thanks go out to all who supported the BBQ. We are particularly thankful to Shannon Vaughn and Homestead Co-op for the BBQ and their ongoing support. AnKur of Real Foods also deserves our gratitude for the loan of chairs and additional power outlets for our warmers.
It was a great day. We couldn't do it without the support of this community.

05/22/2026

BBQ HAPPENING NOW. CO-OP GAS BAR. COME ON OVER AND SUPPORT HIGHWAY COMMUNITY KITCHEN.
MAY 22 2026 11:00- 1:30.

05/22/2026

We extend our gratitude to Bridget from Portage Physiotherapy Clinic for her assistance today. Additionally, we appreciate the clinic's ongoing support for our community kitchen, which enables us to continue our work. We also thank Betty for her contributions, which are valued greatly. Unfortunately, pre-BBQ activities distracted us from taking new photos.
It was just 1 of those weeks.

05/20/2026

05/15/2026

A huge thank you to Jon, Shelly , and Laura from Portage Mutual Insurance for jumping into a wee bit of a chaotic day with us today at the Community Kitchen. 🌭🌬️

It was one wild, windy Thursday, and your help, good attitudes, and willingness to pitch in made a real difference. We truly appreciated having you there with us today.

05/14/2026

Sorry Postponed until May 22 due to weather. See you then.