Rabba and Good Shepherd celebrate 10 Years of game day giving

🙏🏻THANK YOU to RABBA Fine Foods and the many sponsors that generously provided the supplies and services for this memorable event!

Touchdown for the Community: Rabba and Good Shepherd Ministries mark 10 Years of game day giving

Annual Game Day dinner supports Toronto’s homeless with warm meals, winter essentials and a new 75” TV

TORONTO, February 4, 2025 – As millions of Canadians gather this Sunday to watch the football season finale among family and friends, homeless individuals will gather at Good Shepherd in downtown Toronto to enjoy a warm meal provided by Rabba and its Rabba Roots Community program. The program celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and has become a great source of pride and driver of joy among the guests of the Good Shepherd.

Our guests can rely on a hearty meal from us every day,” says Adrienne Urquhart, Director of Fundraising and Public Relations at Good Shepherd Ministries. “But on this night, our overnight guests will experience an added sense of belonging and community—something many of us enjoy regularly with family and friends. Through our partnership with Rabba Roots, guests will come together over good food and fellowship to enjoy game night. We’re deeply grateful to Rabba not only for the food, but for the care and thought behind it. In total, Rabba will help to feed more than a hundred men during The Big Game, along with thousands of snacks and meals to feed many more throughout the following weeks. The donation includes burgers, wings, pizza, fries, onion rings, beverages, soups, frozen entrées, fresh produce and assortment of dairy products, dessert and other snacks collected by from Rabba and its partners – McCain Foods, Lassonde, Maple Leaf Foods, Pizzeria Libretto, Conagra, Wonderbrands and others. Beyond game night, the group of partners will also deliver sweet and savoury snacks, condiments and baked goods to help stock the shelter’s kitchen.

“Year after year, some of our closest partners show up in a generous and heartfelt way to join us in making this statement of care and concern for our neighbours in need,” says Rick Rabba, president of Rabba Fine Foods. “This activity for us is much more than just offering a meal or watching a game — it’s about showing these men that we’re with them. They are not forgotten but rather are an important part of our community.”

“We’re happy to participate in this annual tradition in support of the Good Shepherd,” says Robert Santos, McCain Foods. “Our mission is to help Canadians celebrate connections through delicious foods, and gathering in community to watch a big sports finale is something we hope everyone can enjoy. Thank you Rabba Roots for coordinating this great team-based effort.”

Keeping to its tradition of going beyond food, Rabba has donated 500 winter hats and 250 pairs of gloves, as well as a new 75” television and sound system, co-funded and installed by Adapt Media, to adorn the Good Shepherd’s main dining hall. The new setup will create a welcoming shared space for residents to gather not only for The Big Game, but for community moments year-round.

“At a time when homelessness and food insecurity continue to impact so many people across our city, we’re honoured to be able to offer this moment of respite to people that need it perhaps the most,” said Rick Rabba. “Reaching the 10-year milestone of this event is incredibly meaningful for us. What started as a simple meal has grown into an annual tradition for our team and partners, and we already look forward to next year.”

The highly anticipated event comes at a critical time for the city. On the front lines of this crisis, Good Shepherd Ministries serves between 900 and 1,100 meals every day, providing consistent access to food for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.