‘It’s important to me that Harvey’s isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about feeding our community in a bigger way,’ says Harvey’s Orillia owner
- These columns are written by staff from The Lighthouse to help the community better understand people experiencing homelessness and those who support them. This column appears every other Monday.
This month, Laura Dickson, owner of Harvey’s Orillia for the past 15 years, has gone above and beyond to show just how much she values the people who have supported her business through the years.
To mark this milestone, Harvey’s Orillia is spotlighting six incredible local organizations by dedicating a week to each one, and sharing the love with the community.
Throughout the month, Harvey’s Orillia has been giving back to these remarkable organizations: The Sharing Place Food Centre, Hospice Orillia/Mariposa House Hospice, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District, the Orillia Youth Centre, and The Lighthouse. Each week, a different organization is highlighted, with a portion of the proceeds from Harvey’s Orillia sales going directly to these causes. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the power of community, and a testament to Laura’s ongoing commitment to helping those in need.
This week, March 24 to 30, is The Lighthouse Week at Harvey’s Orillia. If you’ve ever been moved by the work The Lighthouse does for those in need in our community, this is the perfect time to show your support. For every community combo purchased (Harvey’s original burger, regular side and 20-ounce soft drink), $2 will be donated to The Lighthouse. And don’t miss the special event on Tuesday, March 25, when 10 per cent of all sales will be donated to this wonderful cause. It’s a delicious way to support Harvey’s Orillia and The Lighthouse at the same time.
As Laura celebrates 15 years at Harvey’s, her dedication to supporting local organizations shines through. Her business, built on the foundation of community and kindness, has become a cornerstone of Orillia’s local food scene. Laura has always believed in the power of giving back, especially after having relied on the support of the community herself during challenging times. For her, these acts of generosity are not just about raising funds; they are about showing her children, her team, and the entire community that small acts of kindness have the power to create a ripple effect that strengthens our community.
“Community means never being alone, knowing there’s always someone there to support you, and being there to celebrate with you during the good times,” Laura shared. “It’s a give-and-take relationship. You may need to lean on others at times, but you always have to give back when you can. That’s what makes a community strong.”
She added, “It’s important to me that Harvey’s isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about feeding our community in a bigger way. By supporting these organizations, we can all make a real impact together. I want to show my kids, my team, and everyone who walks through our doors that giving back is part of what makes us who we are.”
When asked why community is so important, Laura explained, “A community isn’t just a place you live; it’s a network of people who care for one another. We’re all in this together, and when we help each other, we make each other stronger. That’s what I’ve always loved about Orillia — how we all show up for each other when it matters most.”
As for why she chose The Lighthouse to support as one of the organizations, Laura recalled, “I remember talking with my parents early on about how best to support the community. My dad suggested reaching out to The Lighthouse, and he was right. I started with the meal train when they were still on Peter Street, bringing in burgers for lunches. Helping at The Lighthouse gave me confidence and helped me make connections in the community.”
So, let’s celebrate together. From March 24 to 30, stop by Harvey’s Orillia for a meal, and you’ll be supporting both a local business and our organization. Every purchase supports the crucial work of The Lighthouse, and in turn, you’re helping strengthen our community every day.
Join Harvey’s in celebrating 15 years of service, kindness, and community support. Drop in for a burger, and let’s make this week one to remember.
Linda Goodall is the former executive director at The Lighthouse. For further information contact Dale Rowe, Executive Director, at dale@orillialighthouse.ca
Rosemary Petersen is the managing director at The Lighthouse and can be reached at rosemary@orillialighthouse.ca.