Toronto culinary instructor brings festive spirit of giving to students, community

Keith Hoare is the culinary instructor at Thistletown Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke. For a decade now, the high school has been hosting a traditional Canadian holiday luncheon all because of this kind-hearted teacher.

“We have lots of students from different ethnic backgrounds,” said Hoare. “It is kind of a tradition I grew up with and it is something that maybe they do not have at home.”

So on Wednesday, Hoare and his culinary students were busy preparing a complete holiday luncheon with all the trimmings for the entire school.

“We are doing roast turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffed squash and we have got over 1,000 desserts prepared,” said Hoare.

It takes a lot to feed a school, and at least 600 are expected to enjoy this feast. What is extra special about the luncheon is that some of the students rely on food banks to provide daily nourishment.

“He is definitely the most giving man I will ever know,” said culinary student Oma Persaud. “He does so much for other people and he never asks for anything in return. He is so humble.”

Students and staff were asked to make a small donation towards their meal. But if someone couldn’t afford to pay, they were taken care of. Also, 120 additional Christmas dinners were prepared for individuals in the community in need.

“They are learning the spirit of the holidays,” said Hoare. “The togetherness, the giving, the caring, helping out in the community and being of service to other people.”