Cuong Bui, the owner of Le Nails in Orillia, is looking to spread some holiday cheer on Sunday by hosting a special giveaway.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bui and his family will offer 50 free sandwiches, snacks, and drinks outside their salon in the Fittons West Plaza, aiming to give back to the community and provide a good meal to those in need.
“They can come and just enjoy a meal, grab a 12-inch sub and a drink. We just want to give back to the community, that’s all,” he says.
The subs are coming from a neighbouring store, Mr. Sub. Employees will be arriving early to prepare all the food Bui has ordered.
“They’re even so nice enough that they only open at 11, but they’re going to come early, because making 50 subs to get ready for people so it’s fresh is a lot. So, it’s nice of them that they’re going to come in and do that for me too," said Bui.
This charitable gesture is not just about food; it’s also an opportunity for Bui’s family to bond over the importance of giving back.
“I want to show them about giving, too, so they’re going to be here to help. Just our little family, just to help out,” he says.
Bui says this is only the beginning; he and his family plan to continue this giveaway as a holiday tradition.
“I just saw a lot of homelessness around town, and even in our plaza here. I’ve helped many, many people around here as they walk by and ask for change," explained Bui.
"I just feel bad that we’re fed and there are people out there who are hungry and don’t have a place to stay. We’re just starting this now, next year we’re going to go bigger. We’re going to try to do this every year just around the holiday time like this,” he says.
Bui says if there is any leftover food it will be donated to The Lighthouse, but he hopes to give it all away.
Abigail Noble is an intern from Carleton University.
