Our mission started in 1995 after losing our dear friend Tina “Nonnina” Luciano to cancer. Tina exuded love, kindness, and compassion and helped many in need throughout her life as a mother, grandmother, friend and humanitarian. 

In the spirit of carrying on her legacy of goodwill, Tina’s family and friends started out by distributing hot chocolate and sandwiches to those in need on the streets of Toronto. By 1997 Joan Yim, one of Tina’s best friends, decided to take things to the next level. She approached Father Gregory Botte at Saint Francis of Assisi Church (Tina’s local parish) and enlisted his help to host dinner services from the basement hall.

Father Gregory openly welcomed the idea of fulfilling the necessity in the community, and together they embarked on Nonnina’s Table, an initiative centered on supplementing nourishment to anyone that required it.

For 12 years throughout the winter months, dinners were held and as many as 400 patrons per service received hot meals prepared on site. During the holiday season, turkey care packages were distributed to over 300 persons and this became a Christmas tradition at Saint Francis of Assisi.