On Thursday, December 18th, we officially launched the Cambridge Neighbourhood Table (CNT) Hespeler at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. From the moment doors opened, it was clear how much this meal mattered as a place to gather, connect, and feel welcome.
Throughout the evening, 55 community members came through the doors, supported by an incredible group of volunteers and community leaders who helped make the night run smoothly. By the end of the meal, over 80 meals had been shared, along with conversations, smiles, and a real sense of care.
What stayed with us most were the small, human moments. Neighbours greeting one another. Volunteers stepping confidently into their first dinner service, and one quiet comment that captured the heart of the evening. As the night wrapped up, a guest shared how meaningful the herb tree centrepiece was to her. It wasn’t about the item itself, but about being thought of, welcomed, and included. Moments like these remind us why creating spaces of belonging matters.
CNT is built on a simple belief: it takes a village. On launch night, that village came together powerfully. It felt like Hespeler showing up for Hespeler and neighbours caring for neighbours, side by side. We are also grateful to the Cambridge Food Bank for providing key meal ingredients, as well as to other generous food contributors who helped make the evening possible. Everyone enjoyed shepherd’s pie with freshly made biscuits, cupcakes, hot chocolate, and coffee, which was received with genuine appreciation. The fresh apple cider from Bannister Family Orchard quickly became a community favourite too!
We are deeply grateful to the leadership team at St. Andrew’s Church for their partnership and generosity in hosting CNT Hespeler. Thank you to the incredible volunteers who executed their very first dinner service with care and excellence and set up a lovely table of items from Hope Clothing. We also extend our thanks to the Silver Heights Neighbourhood Association, Hespeler Village Neighbourhood Association, and Greenway Chaplin Neighbourhood Association; our friends from Citizens of Cambridge and other CNT supporters; and local dignitaries who attended the evening and supported the meal.
This was just the beginning! The next CNT Hespeler meal at St. Andrew’s will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and we look forward to continuing to build this table together.
Thank you, Hespeler, for showing what’s possible when a community comes together!
We always welcome your ideas and feedback about our CNT meals, programming, and process. Please share your comments with us below!