NewmarketToday is marking this giving season by celebrating Newmarket's Community Angels, the people whose kindness, compassion and community spirit help make our town one of the best to live in the country.
His great sense of humour is rivalled only by his compassion for those in need in our community. And, no challenge is too big or small for Andrew Summers to take on while inspiring everyone else to join in just as enthusiastically.
When you’re friends with Summers on Facebook, there’s no shortage of laughs. When you visit his Streetmeat Bistro hotdog cart in the Chapters Newmarket parking lot at 17440 Yonge St., there’s also no shortage of good causes that you can contribute to.
But first, the humour from the man who is a friend to all.
“Finally hit the LottoMax!!!! Taking a bunch of good friends to dinner! How many pieces can you cut a McD hamburger into?????” Summers posted in mid-December.
A few days later, the longtime charitable guru posted a photo of himself with Kirk Bowden from the Newmarket Food Pantry. Thanks to Summers and his customers who pop money into his tip jar on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $516.45 was raised for the local food bank.
“Thanks to dozens and dozens of very generous people who either came for lunch to make a donation, or simply came by specifically to make a donation. Without all of you ladies and gents, this would not have happened,” Summers said.
In fact, with the Streetmeat Bistro king’s help, many things are possible.
Summers' initiatives have helped local children and families access life-saving medications and treatment, including a local boy living with Batten disease. He also raises awareness and funds for other causes that have included helping someone’s pet get surgery at the Shades of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary.
In late October when Summers heard that the Newmarket Facebook group that provides free loans of wheelchairs and walkers was in danger of ending, he sent a note to NewmarketToday saying: “I feel that such a great program which is 100 per cent free for users may not continue due to red tape and liability. We need to find an organization that would be willing to accept the task at hand, even if they have to rework the loan process to include a small loan fee, perhaps.”
There isn’t any cause he’s not willing to take on to try to make a difference in the lives of others.
Summers was recently nominated for and bestowed with a Vince’s Random Act of Kindness gift basket.
“First order of the evening is to say thank you to all the people that nominated me for Vince's random acts of kindness gift basket,” he said. “I am wary of unwrapping it, however, because I can see a huge chocolate bar in there. ...and either myself, or the rodents will eat it.”
Visit Andrew Summers and his Streetmeat Bistro on Facebook.
