Our History

Started by Minni Coulson and her husband George in 1988, Friday’s free lunch is an important time for people living with HIV/AIDS to go and meet other people, some staff at AIDS Calgary, to address various concerns, but also to have a decent hot meal. For many, the first in a while.

Minnie and George did this every Friday of every month out of the kindness of their hearts. In May 1994, Minnie retired due to health reasons and in September of that year, Patrick O’Neil and Doug Langille stepped-in and brought the program back on a bi-weekly basis.

No woman, man or child living with HIV/AIDS should suffer from a lack of "Quality of Life" - a good hot meal is only a start!

The past Cut-a-thons, started by the late Donnie Peters, were a major contributor to this program. When they were not held for a few years, the funding for this valuable program fell very short of its needs.

Currently the Lunch Program is still only able to be offered bi-weekly, from the first Friday in September until the last Friday in June. There is always a need for funds to purchase groceries and ensure an on-going supply of basic cooking essentials, supplies, and equipment. Funding is also needed to help provide additional tables, chairs, etc.

Our goal with this year’s Cut-a-thon is to achieve/acquire these necessary needs to get this much needed FREE Friday lunch program back to every second Friday of every month of the year, as well as offering funds for the bi-weekly coffee and support program. We also want to honor the memory of Donnie and his hard work with the past Cut-a-thons and works with the Artists for Quality of Life.