As we look back on another season of Out of the Cold, The St. Catharines Downtown Association (SCDA) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Downtown Business Members, and dedicated volunteers who worked together to provide hot meals to the community this season.
Each year, from November 1 to March 31, the Out of the Cold Supper Program offers meals and community to our neighbours facing food insecurity, social isolation or housing insecurity. Run by the St. Catharines Out of the Cold Interchurch Committee chaired by Susan Venditti, former CEO of Start Me Up Niagara, it includes many Downtown organizations such as the Niagara Artists Centre, Silver Spire United Church, Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. George’s Anglican Church, Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas Anglican Church and Queen Street Baptist Church.
2024-2025 marked the third year of involvement by the SCDA. Our team of volunteers included Business owners, staff, and dedicated community members. The involvement of the SCDA follows the lead of the Niagara Artists Centre in collaborating with Downtown Restaurants, this year including oddBird, Ludology Boardgame Cafe, and Merchant Ale House.
During the 2024/25 season, over 26,000 meals were served, an increase of 10% over the previous year, highlighting the growing need and impact of this program.
Learn more about the program here.
If you are interested in getting involved or sponsoring the SCDA for future seasons, please contact us at info@mydowntown.ca.
Featured Downtown Members
