Georgie provides food to the hungry as sickness closes food bank doors

George Al Khoury - owner/operator of popular Sault eatery Georgie’s Shawarma - performed an act of kindness Monday, providing much needed nourishment to a group of individuals dismayed to find the Salvation Army food bank on Elgin Street closed due to sickness among its staff.

“We have a restaurant and I felt bad when I saw people coming for food. I grabbed food and gave it to them outside (due to COVID precautions). I gave it to six or seven people,” Al Khoury said.

“It makes my soul happy. I didn’t do this for my own benefit except it makes me happy to make somebody else happy. I appreciate the community here,” Al Khoury said.  

The act of kindness is characteristic of Al Khoury, a well-known and well-liked recent arrival to the Sault from Syria.

Al Khoury gave shawarma, soup, salad and bread to those in need Monday.

“When you offer something you offer the best you have,” Al Khoury said cheerfully.

A message on The Salvation Army Sault Ste. Marie Facebook page states “we are extremely sorry, but due to sickness, we will be closed until at least Wednesday, Jan. 19. We care so much about those who need us, which is why we have done our best to stay healthy over these past two years. We will do everything we can to reopen as soon as possible and continue to do our best to help our community. Thank you for your understanding.”

The public is urged to keep checking the Salvation Army Facebook page for updates.

The Salvation Army is reminding those in need that food is available curbside from the Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen Community Centre from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and the St. Vincent Place food bank is open from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.