Guelph restaurant Kirtida Kitchen turns five this year, and to celebrate, they’re giving away at least 150 free meals on Christmas Day.
“We are happy we’re turning five,” said Hitesh Jagad, who owns the restaurant at 265 Eramosa Road with his wife Kirtida.
But giving back during the holiday season isn’t new for the Indian restaurant. In fact, it’s something they’ve made a tradition of, this being the third straight year they’ve given away free meals.
“So this is like a double celebration,” Jagad said. “We’re not sure how many will go, but we are ready for 150. If more show up, then we’ll go over as well, it’s not like we’re limiting ourselves."
The now yearly tradition started in 2020, when they learned The Bench, which provides those in need with food and essential items in Downtown Guelph, was in need of some additional help.
“The pandemic, that's something we’ve never seen in our life. And during the festival season, we have seen so many people in need,” he said.
Inspired by the work The Bench was doing and wanting to help them feed the community, Kirtida Kitchen donated more than 60 meals to The Bench each day from Dec. 25 to Dec. 27 that year. Since then, they’ve donated meals every week.
Last year, they decided to prepare 150 meals for community members in need but only around 90 people came out. However, they’re expecting a higher turnout now since he said the pandemic was more restricting this time last year.
“Giving back to the community gives me more happiness and more smiles,” he said. “It gives me more satisfaction … that I have something to give to our community and the people who need it most.”
The free meals will be available for pick up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Day.
But if you aren’t in need of a free meal and are just looking to order some food, don’t fret. They are open for normal operating hours on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
