Kirtida Kitchen is at it again in the name of giving back by handing out free meals on Christmas.
This is the fourth year Hitesh Jagad and his wife Kirtida who own the restaurant have given away meals during the holiday.
What keeps them coming back is that “we have a lovely community,” Jagad said.
The restaurant is giving away 150 meals. If more meals are needed than more will be made.
The meals for one include two curries, rice, naan and dessert. They will be given out on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kirtida Kitchen on 265 Eramosa Rd.
No questions asked. It’s open for everybody, Jagad said.
He follows one simple rule that when the community supports a small business, it supports the community back.
One of the biggest lessons he learned was during the pandemic when everyone faced a difficult situation but there was still community support, Jagad said.
He has seen many people walk through the restaurant’s door and tell him “we are here to support your small business,” he said. Since they wanted the restaurant to survive during the pandemic.
“And we will see those smile when we donate or we're doing something for the community,” said Jagad. It makes him happy to bring smiles to peoples’ faces.
It’s for the people who cannot afford a meal, said Kirtida. “It’s always a supportive community,” she said.
It’s become a routine for Kirtida Kitchen to give 50 to 60 meals each week on Thursdays at The Bench, which offers free food to people in Downtown Guelph.
“No one should be left out during this Christmas time,” Jagad said. Between Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 many places are closed, he said.
He understands during the holidays people are busy but those who are less fortunate should have access to a meal.
“It's unfortunate circumstances bring people to a different situation,” he said.
Jagad has noted the rise in inflation this year and less people have money to spend on dining out. But people are supporting in ways they can, he said.
He thanks the community for its continued support and he is looking forward to counting more years to come.
He said he and his wife will continue to put the effort in to help the community.
