EDMONTON- The owner of a downtown restaurant says she remembers what it’s like to be new to Canada and need a helping hand and on Wednesday, decided to pay it forward by cooking up a special meal for Edmontonians in need.
“It doesn’t matter the economy, challenging time, disaster; so many going on around the world,” said Cecilia Hoang, the owner and chef of Hoang Long Fresh Market. “I want to stick together.”
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The former Vietnamese refugee said she remembers being cold and hungry when she first arrived to Alberta’s capital 27 years ago and now sees many Edmontonians struggling as a result of the downturn in the economy; everything from losing their jobs to struggling to cope with rising grocery costs.
“I want to build the city better,” said Hoang. “Edmontonian people (are) very generous and I want to be one of them. I want to build the community stronger.”
On Wednesday afternoon, dozens of people filled up on Hoang’s culinary creations at her Jasper Avenue eatery. Hoang said the meal was made for inner-city residents, new immigrants or just anybody in need of a hot meal.
The chef, who opened her first restaurant in Edmonton 17 years ago, said she hopes to be able to host another free meal in the future.
-with files from Kent Morrison
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