Calgary burger joint feeds hundreds including those in need

Flipp'n Burgers in Kensington showed its appreciation for the community on Tuesday by feeding hundreds of Calgarians, including those less fortunate.

The Mustard Seed was provided with 300 hamburgers to help feed their clients, while the Drop In Centre also received hundreds of burgers on Christmas Eve for those experiencing homelessness.

Anyone who walked into the restaurant also had the opportunity to grab a free burger.

Co-owner Jorgji Qiro says the initiative stems from a desire to give back.

"Because we received so much support from our community, we just wanted to give back, and we know around this type of area, there's people that are a little less fortunate and we don't want anyone to be hungry during the holidays and during these times," said Qiro.

"Some people may get together with family, and some people they don't have that opportunity."

Qiro explained that the gesture is deeply rooted in his family's values.

"Our family comes from a place that's a little poor," he said.

"So, not myself, my father and my uncle, they used to do this same type of thing in another restaurant, and we just wanted to do it on a larger scale and try to help out, not just a community, but a whole city."

Eric McComish, site lead at the Mustard Seed's downtown location, expressed gratitude for the generous donation.

"The thing is, on Christmas Eve at our downtown location, we actually don't have a hot lunch in any way, shape or form," said McComish.

"So Flipp'n Burgers stepped up and they've provided burgers, 300 burgers, for our clients at the Mustard Seed."

He says there are more than 50 women sheltered at the women’s shelter next door, its recovery program has 30 to 40 people and another 100-150 in the common area.

"Even just the fact that they want to do this and other companies and organizations want to do this, it honestly is a huge, huge help to us," said McComish.

The restaurant’s goal is to serve 1,000 burgers.