What鈥檚 better than homemade pie? Free homemade pie, of course!
For the fourth year, two seniors communities in 91原创 are hosting a drive-thru pie giveaway to celebrate National Seniors Day.
The idea was born amid the Covid-19 pandemic, explained Janice Miller, marketing manager who worked with Sunridge Gardens to offer 50 pies the first year.
鈥淎s the fall of 2020 set in and seniors were confined indoors and often isolated, we wanted to host an event that would cheer them up and let them know we see them and we care about them,鈥� she said.
On October 1, 2010 National Seniors Day was officially established in Canada as a way to honour and celebrate the presence and contribution of seniors to Canadian families, communities, and society as a whole.
It is celebrated simultaneously with the UN鈥檚 International Day of Older Persons, a day intent on highlighting the contributions of old adults and understanding the challenges they face.
The local pie drive-thru has grown since 2020, but the heart remains the same: celebrate seniors with pie, Miller said, noting they鈥檙e made in-house by the culinary staff at each residence.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a big undertaking,鈥� Miller said.
鈥淥ur teams make homemade pie for our residents all the time, but it鈥檚 a big leap from making pie for 125 people to making 125 pies!鈥�
This year, Magnolia Gardens鈥� executive chef Jackson McClelland got his inspiration from famous British Chef Jamie Oliver and created an autumn apple date pie.
鈥淧erfectly spiced with a buttery, flakey crust, it鈥檚 delicious when warmed up and served with fresh whipped cream,鈥� McClelland recommended.
And at Sunridge Gardens, Chef David Collins worked with Sous Chef Danielle Armfelt to develop their signature fruit and nut pie.
It鈥檚 a 鈥榩antry pie鈥� featuring raisins, dried apricots and cranberries, a variety of nuts, and dark and white chocolate. The result tastes like a butter tart with an extra delicious kick, Collins said.
The drive-thru events occur on-site at each residence on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Seniors drive through, roll down their windows and get their free pie.
At Sunridge Gardens, located at 22301 Fraser Hwy. in Murrayville, the event runs from 10 to 11 a.m. on Oct. 4. Fifty pies are available.
At Magnolia Gardens, 5840 Glover Rd., in 91原创 City, the drive-thru will be open from 2 to 3 p.m. Chef Jackson and his team are baking 75 pies for the event.
Seniors are encouraged to choose just one event to participate in to ensure there is enough pie for everyone.
One pie per household.
Organizers ask 鈥減lease, no early birds, as traffic congestion is an issue.鈥�
For more information, people can visit
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