What began with a pot of soup during the darkest days of the pandemic has grown into a movement transforming lives in Thunder Bay’s east end.
Evergreen: A United Neighborhood is a grassroots organization making an outsized impact on the children and families it serves. I recently sat down with two of the women at the heart of this work, Linda Bruins, Executive Director of Evergreen, and Lisa Lemarquand, co-owner of the local restaurant Fox on the Run, to learn how a simple act of kindness became a catalyst for lasting change.
A Pandemic Spark
In the early months of COVID-19, when lockdowns left many feeling helpless and isolated, Ron and Lisa Lemarquand were still running their restaurant. Instead of retreating inward, they asked how they could help. “We wanted to do something for the community,” Lisa recalls. That “something” was soup—delivered to Evergreen’s homebase at 139 Heron Street. It was a warm gesture that quickly evolved into something much more profound.
From Soup to Something Bigger
The partnership between Evergreen and Fox on the Run soon inspired others. What started with soup deliveries has become an annual fundraising barbecue, “Cooking for Good,” raising over $12,000 in just three years. With help from community champions like Stacy and Tyler Dolcetti of Dominion Motors, who connected with partners to expand support, the event has become a highlight of the summer. “It’s not about big organizations,” said Linda. “It’s about people showing up—people saying, ‘you matter.’”
Beyond the Bowl
“Saying we’re an after-school program is just the beginning,” said Linda Bruins, whose passion for community is as clear as her commitment to the children she serves. “We’re not just feeding them. We’re creating a safe, welcoming space. We’re teaching life skills. We’re showing them someone cares.” Each day, Evergreen opens its doors to children and youth. Some are in foster care, others come from families impacted by poverty or addiction. But at Evergreen, they’re all just kids—playing games, creating art, eating together, and learning to trust.
A Day at Evergreen
The programs offered at Evergreen are as practical as they are heart-centred. Services include:
- After-school programming with structured activities
- Daily hot meals and nutritious snacks
- Crafts, games, and creative projects
- Mentorship and emotional support
- Life skills training and crisis advocacy
Despite operating on a tight weekly food budget, Evergreen provides meals that feel more like family dinners. The atmosphere is stigma-free and rooted in dignity.
How to Get Involved
The story of Evergreen and its community partners reminds us that real change starts locally. A bowl of soup, support for a barbecue, or a small donation—these seemingly small acts are helping rewrite the stories of dozens of children in Thunder Bay. As Linda puts it, “It’s the small organizations making the biggest impact—one child at a time.”
You can support Evergreen’s mission by:
- Making a monetary donation
- Donating food or essential supplies
- Volunteering your time or skills
- Sharing their stories with others
To learn more or to get involved, visit www.evergreenunited.ca.
