Dozens of charities in Timmins work tirelessly to feed people who struggle with hunger and homelessness.
Their efforts were rewarded Wednesday with a luncheon put on by one of the city's biggest and oldest mining companies. And there was a surprise as well, as some local charities got some unexpected money.
Hard working volunteers who make it a priority to take care of hungry people in Timmins were treated to a meal themselves.
Goldcorp called it a Helping Helpers Appreciation Luncheon, but it ended up being so much more.
Gasps and cheers were heard as Goldcorp officials announced that each organization in attendance would also receive a $10,000 donation.
Officials from the mining company say there is some money left over in the company's donation account this year, and they want to help people who truly need it.
"We're not silly. We walk around town and we see some of the issues around the community, and so this was just a way for us to help with some of the emerging problems that are developing in the city, and just trying to do our part to help out." said Marc Lauzier of Goldcorp.
Local agencies say this money will be put to good use.
"Not everyone has the willpower and the strength to do it on their own, and need more support than others. So, we just continue to encourage them. And as we know, the deaths from overdoses are increasing, so this is beautiful. Now we know we got the support of Goldcorp." said Mel Chartier, co-founder for Project Love co-founder
"We started this summer serving meals at Living Space to the patrons of Living Space on Tuesdays, and starting in December, we're definitely starting on Thursday nights. I can foresee more of those meals happening." said Julie Levesque of HOPE Comfort Kits & Community Outreach.
Organizations such as Project Love and the Yo Mobile say they are feeding at least 200 people every week on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights.
Timmins Mayor-elect George Pirie says taking care of the homeless needs to be a priority.
"We have to put a, get a, warming centre in place. We have to put a strategy that assists individuals at risk and get them off the street." said Pirie.
Other organizations that benefitted from the donations include: Timmins Food Bank, Good Samaritan Inn and Timmins Native Friendship Centre.
