Paul M introduced the speaker:

Frank Squires was born in the town of Wampanoag Bell Island in the Dominion, Dominion of Newfoundland. He received his education at the Church of England Academy and Memorial University of Newfoundland. Frank joined Joy manufacturing Canada Limited headquartered in Galt, Ontario in 1956 and worked in sales and sales management for 33 years, living in St John's Newfoundland and Vancouver BC, before moving to Cambridge in 1982 when joining and closing their Canadian operations in 1985. Frank was among the last of the personnel responsible for the liquidation of assets up until the end of 1988. After his successful career in sales and sales management with joy manufacturing, Frank embarked on a new career working for himself as a private consultant in mining and construction sales, which took him all over North and South America. Frank has been a lifelong member of the Anglican Church, and has held many positions as a lay person in the various churches he was a member of as he moved across the country with Joy manufacturing as he was growing his consulting career. Frank also studied theology at Renison College, Institute of Ministry, and upon completion of his studies. Was invited by the Bishop of ordination to join the church in the position of Deacon for ministry outside of the church. As a deacon, he was qualified to do chaplaincy and spiritual care. He worked in the long term care at St Andrews terrace for the past 20 years, 13 years at Sterling Heights, 20 years at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, 13 years of chaplain of the Royal Canadian Legion branch. He has been a supporter of the Trinity Community Table since its inception, volunteering in the kitchen, hall, crew, pickup guy, volunteer coordinator, chair, person, board member and fundraising chair. Frank loves sports and enjoys watching them live on TV as an athlete. Participated in track, hockey, baseball and racket sports. He also enjoys singing, and has sung regularly with the Cambridge male chorus for over 30 years. Frank is married to his wife, Ruby for 56 years. They have two sons, three granddaughters, all living in Cambridge.

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Trinity Community Table operates out of Trinity Church on Blair Road, providing free, nutritious noontime meals in a welcoming environment. It began in 1992 when two couples from the church proposed using the church hall to serve soup and sandwiches twice a week. The congregation agreed, and the program grew with support from local churches and community members. From the beginning, TCT committed to operating without government funding or paid staff, relying entirely on volunteers motivated by compassion and dignity for all guests.

Today, TCT serves lunch every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, offering coffee and snacks at 9:30 a.m., hot meals at 11, and take-out lunches for the days they do not operate. In 2024 alone, they provided over 40,000 meals, including thousands delivered to the Bridges shelter. Rising living costs have increased demand, bringing in seniors, people living in tents or rooming houses, individuals with mental-health challenges, and families struggling to afford food.

With about 120 volunteers from diverse backgrounds, TCT handles everything from food preparation to guest support. Volunteers often give only an hour or two, but some stay the full day. Meals are prepared using donated ingredients, and special holiday dinners can draw nearly 200 guests. Beyond food, TCT distributes essentials like socks, toiletries, and warm clothing.

The program relies heavily on donations from individuals, businesses, and the local food banks. Rising costs have increased the need for financial support and supplies. Volunteers say their work offers a sense of purpose, community, and joy—serving both guests and one another with dignity and warmth.

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Rena H suggested that the sock collected at the upcoming Holiday party be five to TCT to distribute. 

John J suggested we have the chapter attend one of the TCT lunch services for our meeting, so that we can experience their work first hand.