The numbers are impressive from the Downtown Mission's Annual Report for 2017.
All told the mission rescued more than 2.3-million lbs. of food last year, put clothes on the backs of more than 15,000 people, housed 43 people and provided nearly 350,000 meals.
The numbers were announced at the annual general meeting. Executive Director Ron Dunn says the night is also about celebrating the more than 700 people who donated their time in 2017.
"There's the people that come once a year to serve a meal, which we appreciate, and there's a gentleman that comes every day and does some mopping for us. They're the heart of the mission and they're how we serve as many people as we do."
According to its audited financial statements, a little more than $10-million made its way through the Downtown Mission bank account to pay for programming, administrative and fundraising expenses in 2017.
A whopping 94% of the money came from community donations. Dunn says it shows the organization lives and breathes through the generosity of others.
"We're in a position where we're well supported by our community, and we buy these buildings and make these moves based on the need. The real story is, why is there a need and what can we do to mitigate that need?"
Community support will be tested heading into 2019 as the mission works towards raising $3.6-million dollars needed to purchase the downtown branch of the Windsor Public Library.
"The extra square-footage that building will provide is a necessity," says Dunn. "We're really excited about this year and the years ahead delving into new programming around affordable housing."
Dunn says the mission's current location will be sold to help offset the cost of the much larger building on Ouellette Ave.