Finding new ways to encourage and support local communities and initiatives has always been at the heart of The Joseph Richard Group (JRG) and something the company continues to see growing during the pandemic.
JRG says it is proud to announce a new partnership and community initiative with Phoenix Society.
Earlier this year, Phoenix Society launched a Mobile Community Kitchen out of its Phoenix Flame BBQ Food Truck that serves free meals to those in need during this difficult time. The free meal service program was launched to serve those living on the poverty line as well as those who are unhoused in Surrey and beyond.
The mobile kitchen allows the Phoenix Society to meet vulnerable populations where they are at, serving food in single-use recyclable containers in an outdoor setting where the guests can safely distance.
As part of the new partnership between the two organizations, JRG will be renting the food truck for pop-up food activations across Metro Vancouver. Partnering with The Joseph Richard Group will help provide Phoenix Society ongoing funding for meals and other continued support for the community.
“Being engaged and active in our communities has always been a priority for us at The Joseph Richard Group, so partnering with the Phoenix Society is perfect and exciting in many ways,” said Ryan Moreno, CEO and Co-Founder of Joseph Richard Group. “Not only are we be able to activate mobile pop-ups across the Lower Mainland and provide more opportunity for our team, but we are also able to support our communities through the Phoenix Society and the work they do.”
Keir Macdonald, CEO of Phoenix Society, is equally excited about the new partnership: “Our Mobile Community Kitchen has provided more than 2,200 free community meals to those most in need in the short time it has been in operation, but our goal has always been to find ongoing revenue to help sustain the program in the long-term. We couldn’t find a better partner than Joseph Richard Group; a company that has a clear desire to give back to the community.”
When possible, the program also distributes emergency supplies to those who are unhoused. Since our launch, our Outreach Team has distributed more than 200 backpacks full of essential items to those in Surrey who are experiencing homelessness.
READ MORE: Phoenix Society Food Truck hits the road serving free meals
IN THE NEWS: New ‘Phoenix Flame BBQ’ truck now mobile with food for Surrey’s ‘hard-to-reach populations’
Since its inception, Phoenix Society’s vision for this community project has included an employment and training program for our residents in recovery. In addition to providing new skills, this aspect of the program would help Phoenix residents earn wages in preparation for leaving our organization and reintegrating into the community.
A key purpose of Phoenix Society is to provide housing and support services for people at multiple entry points on the continuum; we develop community-based projects that meet people where they are at, helping participants exit the cycle of addiction and homelessness and are regarded as having amongst the best outcomes in British Columbia.
The Phoenix Flame BBQ Food Truck’s free meal service is one example of our ongoing efforts to innovate and further support those who are marginalized in our community.
In 2020 alone, the Phoenix Society provided services to over 2,500 individuals through our Surrey-based Residential Substance Use Treatment, Supportive Housing, Employment, Extreme Weather Shelters, Community Corrections, Home Ownership and Outreach Programs. JRG is proud to partner with this socially minded organization and work towards building a more stable community for those who are facing poverty.
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About Joseph Richard Group: Joseph Richard Group (JRG) is a Canadian based collection of unique hospitality ventures owned by André “Joseph” Bourque and Ryan “Richard” Moreno. The JRG team operates 25 establishments. Current businesses include Townhall Public Houses, Oak & Thorne, The Henry, The Buck & Ear, Livelyhood S+L Kitchen & Bar, The Italian Osteria & Cheesebar, Blank Canvas Catering, and Glass House Estate Winery. At JRG, the guest experience is the guiding principle.
About The Phoenix Society: Since 1989, Phoenix Society has grown from an idea, to its first recovery programs and is now a multi-faceted, integrated service provider that offers a variety of programs and support services, helping residents and program participants achieve positive outcomes in their lives. A key purpose of the Surrey-based Society is to provide housing and support services for people at multiple entry points on the continuum.
JRG Media Contact Emma Whiten | Jelly Marketing | [email protected] | 604.674.3559 ext. 7
Phoenix Society Media Contact Amy Reid | [email protected] | 604.726.6107
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