Aquilini Family Donating 3,500 Meals Weekly

Vancouver, BC - The Aquilini Family, with support from Canucks Sports & Entertainment, and Toptable Group are producing 3,500 meals per week for The Salvation Army and for families with the Strathcona Community Centre in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

The Salvation Army receives 550 lunches daily from Tuesday to Friday. Each lunch contains a nutritious protein-based sandwich, a salad of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and a snack. The lunches are packed on an assembly-line format on the main floor of Rogers Arena. Paper bags are used to reduce plastic use.

Twenty-four families with the Strathcona Community Centre receive full family dinners from Monday to Friday. Dinners are prepared in the main kitchen at Rogers Arena and generally include salads, an entree with vegetables or a starch and occasionally dessert.

"Our family is grateful to be able to support these families and individuals in need," said Francesco Aquilini, Chairman of Canucks Sports & Entertainment. "This is an opportunity to give back to our community. Canucks and Toptable employees have been running the program since mid-March, and we're grateful for the selfless work they're doing."

"As an organization that depends on the support of individuals and groups this means the world to our staff and those who we serve. This partnership, during these difficult times, really sums up the incredible community spirit of the Canucks ownership." - The Salvation Army

"The Strathcona Community Centre Association is so grateful to the support of the Aquilini Family for their generosity donation towards food security for Strathcona families. The donation will help the SCCA respond to increased needs within our community during these difficult times."

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the ability of The Salvation Army and the Strathcona Centre to support the growing needs of the community. This Covid-19 relief program helps provide food security to those who need it most in some of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods in Vancouver.

Since the inception of the program, over 13,000 meals have been produced by members of Canucks Sports & Entertainment's hospitality team and office staff. They follow British Columbia's health guidelines (frequent hand washing, disposable gloves, and two-metre distancing).

Please visit The Salvation Army Video: Aquilini Family Donating 3500 Meals Weekly for more information on their role and impact in the community. Information about Strathcona Community Centre can be found Video: Aquilini Family Donating 3500 Meals Weekly.