Greater Sudbury’s Elgin Street Mission renames its kitchen to honour late city councillor

A special luncheon was held Friday at Greater Sudbury’s Elgin Street Mission, in honour of a late city councillor.

A photo of late Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini was unveiled at the Elgin Street Mission on September 13, 2024, during a luncheon in which it was announced that the facility's kitchen would be renamed after him. (From left to right) Vagnini’s granddaughter Adora, daughter Erin, daughter Alison, the Elgin Street Mission director Amanda Labreche and long-time friend Gerry Lougheed are pictured here with the photo. (Supplied)

The facility which works tirelessly to feed those less fortunate has renamed its kitchen after former Ward 2 Councillor Michael Vagnini in what his family called a “fitting tribute.”

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Vagnini was known for his hospitality and charitable work in the city, though he often looked not to publicize his efforts. Every year he hosted a dinner at Christmas as part of his No One Eats Alone campaign and he was often found buying groceries for those in need or collecting clothing for the area’s most vulnerable.

The councillor was found deceased earlier this year at a seasonal residence in the area of Reserve Camp Road on Atikiameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation after a highly publicized two-week city-wide manhunt. Police said Vagnini passed away of medical causes and no foul play was suspected.

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Organizers of the luncheon called Vagnini “a friend of the mission” whom always looked to help their cause of supporting the area’s vulnerable population – his absence has been felt by many in the city - including those at the Samaritan Centre.

A special luncheon was held on September 13, 2024, at Greater Sudbury’s Elgin Street Mission, in honour of a late city councillor. (Supplied)

Many distinguished guests shared stories about the councillor’s caring, heartfelt and charitable nature.

In addition to the name change, a photo honouring its new namesake is now on display at the mission with a plaque that reads:

“With Michael’s commitment to No One Eats Alone, this kitchen is dedicated to always feed people’s stomachs and souls. May God Bless the cooks, the diners and Michael.”

A photo of late Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini was unveiled at the Elgin Street Mission on September 13, 2024, during a luncheon in which it was announced that the facility's kitchen would be renamed after him. Vagnini’s daughter Alison and the Elgin Street Mission director Amanda Labreche are pictured here with the photo. (Supplied/Elgin Street Mission)

Following the luncheon, Vagnini’s long-time friend Gerry Lougheed announced that the annual No One Eats Alone dinner would continue.

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Earlier this year, the Greater Sudbury city council unanimously voted to name a hall at the T.M. Davies Community Centre and Arena the Michael Vagnini Community Hall following a motion by Mayor Paul Lefebvre, which he announced at Vagnini’s celebration of life. City officials said a formal ceremony commemorating that name change is in the works.