Nourished at the Knights Table

story in our community,” Bynoe says. “I can tell you from doing our intake process that we’ve had a police officer come in, a computer analyst, a doctor … there are so many reasons a life can spiral out of control and lead an individual to need our services.” ing these people resources and support 365 days a year.”

Bynoe adds that beyond its robust daily meal program and food bank, the Knights Table aims to connect incoming clients with a variety of social services including employment counselling, summer camps for children, healthy living workshops and health screenings.

This 360-degree variety of care would not be possible, Bynoe says, without continuous support from agencies such as the United Way, and from the 3,200 volunteers that come through the Knights Table doors each year.

“I’ve got a limited staff complement of 10,” Bynoe says. “Everyone else you see here, whether it’s those working in the food bank, in the kitchen during meals program, the after-school program, or social support programs — they’re all volunteers.”

One such volunteer who can be spotted at the Knights Table today is Casquilho. Now an active ambassador for the organization, she regularly gives back by sharing her story with students as part of the Knights Table retreats program — an initiative in which school groups participate in the delivery of meal service while learning about the history of this Brampton institution.

Casquilho is proud to mention that her daughter and son are now engaged in volunteer work. She says that lending their time to all facets of the Knights Table foundation has resulted in wonderful friendships, connected them with inspiring mentors and has strengthened their sense of community.

“I can now see a better future for my kids,” she says. “Personally, I’m financially OK now and I’ve learned a lot — I still have some health issues but I can say that I’m in a safe place.”

In that same room where she was once served her first solid meal in months back in 2012, Casquilho now helps to arrange the room before service. She jokes and exchanges hugs with fellow volunteers and staff as she carefully lays a placemat at each setting before the rush of the lunch crowd comes in.

“I remember thinking after that first week here, that there was a light where before it was just darkness,” she says.

“The Knights Table saved my life. I consider them my family.”