By Dylana Milobar

Frenchies Poutinerie continues to pay it forward

Oct 20, 2018 | 10:35 AM

KAMLOOPS — A local downtown poutinerie is continuing its giving ways this fall.

Frenchies Poutinerie Owner Élie Toni Hanna says they currently have a system in place where people can buy a meal in advance for another, putting the meal ticket on a board so the less fortunate who are hungry can use the pre-paid tickets.

“I know some people get embarrassed, or you don’t want to ask. So you don’t even have to ask, you can just go look at the board and then grab it and go, and no one has to know. Sometimes the board gets empty, but even then, even if its empty, we’ll still make meals. We’re not going to turn anyone down regardless.”

Hanna says he felt inspired to help out after seeing the local homeless situation.

“When I first opened up, I realized, I’ve been in Kamloops ten years now, and I noticed the increasement of less fortunate people, and people going through a harder time. ” 

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This isn’t the first time Frenchies has made an effort to help the less fortunate.

Originally from Gatineau, Quebec, Hanna says last year he stayed in Kamloops over the holidays and made food for those in need.

“Christmas Day, I opened up Frenchies, and I cooked up two turkeys, and a couple of roasts, and a lot of sides. Me and my staff stayed here and it was open door so anyone from the public could come,” He explains, “We cooked over 85 meals, and over 85 gift bags got handed out.”

Hanna says they’re putting out the call for warm clothing donations again this year, and they’ll be giving a free snack sized poutine to each person who brings in those crucial cold weather items such as socks, mitts, or toques.

“Its hard to turn someone down when they’re asking for food. You really can’t say no. Even if my business is really slow, or even if I’m struggling myself, I still can’t say no to someone.”