Bob’s Breakfast Is Back, This Time As A Buffet

Kelli McRobert | Mar 06, 2024

For many years, a small town gathered to share a meal and help support their local church. COVID struck, and like many rural functions, rules changed, gatherings morphed, and burned-out volunteers struggled to maintain the momentum month after month. This past Saturday, a revised and altered Bob’s Breakfast was back, and it was executed with success for the enjoyment of local and surrounding residents.

Volunteers arrived early on Friday to set up the Inverary United Church Hall. and ensure everything was ready for the 2024 launch. Shopping lists were created and volunteers and planners came and went to ensure nothing was missed.

On Saturday, Bob’s Breakfast returned with the same enthusiasm as in the past. Over 220 people showed up to enjoy the free-flowing buffet breakfast

Some arrived early as the doors opened at 7am,, while others lounged a bit on a Saturday morning and headed over for a group munch around 9am. On the menu were scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes and toast. Juice, water, and coffee complemented the warm tasty grub. Families gathered and had the opportunity to catch up with each other and spend some time on a Saturday morning, laughing and sharing stories on the recent comings and goings of their kin.

Everyone was welcomed with a friendly smile and the room was buzzing as tables filled with feasters. You could smell the warm pancakes waft across the crowd as servers zipped around replacing silverware/place settings and topping up coffee as some lounged to chat or moved from table to table to say hello. At the front of the room were the keen volunteers lined up ready to serve. For $10 you could feast as an adult or $5 for children who could fill their plates. Guests enjoyed the fresh local maple syrup as it soaked into the steaming hot cakes.

Bob’s Breakfast had been a long-standing tradition that helped support local charitable initiatives offered by the Inverary Church. Bob Arthur had a vision to bring people together for a good cause. Recently, Sheila Arthur (Bob’s surviving wife) expressed how “Bob would be smiling {from above}, as he cared about every aspect that it took to grow a community. “

As mentioned above, COVID put a crimp in the schedule, and then with all the protocols and restrictions it was difficult to continue without incurring extensive costs. This past winter a group of women got together and decided to try to revamp the gathering while still offering its residents a warm, communal meal. Darlene Clement and Judy Borovskis brainstormed some ideas along with the historical knowledge from Michelle Amodeo, who had been managing it for many years, and Bob’s Breakfast Buffet was its new name!

As with any community gathering it takes many volunteers and donors to support a fundraising initiative. This event had over 30 volunteers, some from past breakfasts, and a few new faces including many helpers from the 4 H and surrounding neighbourhoods. The following is a list of the generous donors who contributed $3200 towards upcoming breakfast expenses. The maple syrup was kindly donate as well: Maple Country Home & Farm, Boulton Septic, Strickley Automotive, Monday Night Euchre – Sunbury, Weston Johnston, Darlene Clement, Inverary Pharmasave, Susan Creasy Financial, Gribb Septic, Jack Blacklock, North Country Marine, and the Rotary Club of Kingston.

As 10am rolled around, the volunteers continued the process of washing, drying, and returning the dishware to the well-worn cupboards. Tables were folded up and chairs returned neatly. A tradition has returned and while it took a ‘village’ to get it going again, it is hoped that this ‘village’ will continue to enjoy a fresh community breakfast for years to come.

The next one will be held on April 6th, 2024, and will continue for May and June (the first Saturday of the month).

Volunteers are always welcome and should contact Darlene Clement at 613-217-1142.

See you in April!