The last thing someone wants to do after working a long shift on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic is cook.
E.K’s Grill on Glenmore Rd. in Kelowna is sustaining the front line by providing meals to doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers and EMS workers.
Owner Bill Justus told Andy and TJ on EZ Rock’s Community Connections Podcast, he wants to give back to his community.
“What we’re trying to do is give them an opportunity to come in and pick up a meal for themselves, for free and E.K’s will comp their family meals at 50 percent off and that gives them a night of rest. A rest that they probably really deserve,” said Justus.
Justus said his family has a different connection to the frontline workers in Kelowna, adding a large chunk of his customer base are first responders and medical staff.
“Our daughters a nurse, my mother-in-law was a nurse, so we get it from a different perspective. It’s just become a very, very important thing, that we try and give back to this community that supports our community in every aspect all year long, not just during COVID-19.”
He added that ‘Sustain the Line’ is not only in his restaurant Kelowna but is a national movement.
“So, you might have a family member that’s nurse or doctor or police officer in Toronto or in Newfoundland or in Saskatchewan and you want to get some money out there to help support that crowd, you can go to sustaintheline.com and they will marry you with a restaurant that is doing that in that community,” said Justus
It's open to all restaurants who want to participate, those who want to donate and frontline workers who need meals.
To donate, join or access meals go to eksgrill.com or sustaintheline.com