Most of us on Vancouver Island are familiar with Gordy Dodd, entrepreneur and owner of Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress.
Dodd has brought laughter to our community for years with his clever TV ads, such as when he portrayed the superhero ‘Super Gordy’, complete with the iconic uniform and cape.
But, at Our Place Society, Dodd stands out as a genuine superhero, beyond the character he portrayed in that 30-second commercial—his legacy has gone beyond that.
Together with his family—swapping the cape for aprons—Dodd has been serving meals to those struggling in our community for 25 years. That’s over 25,000 meals to the people who have walked through the doors at Our Place’s Pandora community centre during the holiday season.
Brian Cox, food services manager at Our Place for over 30 years, has been working with Dodd since day one. “Gordy is a huge part of our Christmas [and Thanksgiving] celebrations here at Our Place,” says Cox. “People look forward to seeing him each year. Gordy and his family bring the community together, which means a lot for those who may have nowhere else to go, and we are so grateful to them for that.”
Immigrating to Canada in 1967, Dodd started off with a small furniture shop in downtown Victoria, and has since grown to be the island’s largest independent furniture retailer with locations in Victoria and Campbell River. He’s never forgotten those humble beginnings though, or the community that helped him get to the top.
“It is this city and the community that helped make my family successful, so I wanted to find ways to give back and give thanks,” says Dodd.
He adds that working with Our Place has been the most fulfilling because he knows the food is going to those that need it most, and that we all must work together to support vulnerable people.
“I’m comfortable in my life and thankful for it, so I’m happy to help others who need a little more comfort,” says Dodd.
Dodd’s commitment to this annual tradition of sponsoring holiday meals each Thanksgiving and Christmas lead to what’s now one of Our Place’s most popular ways for people to give back. The Sponsored Meal program invites small groups into Our Place’s downtown kitchen to personally serve meals to the individuals they are supporting. Providing a warm meal in-person enables donors to connect face-to-face with individuals, witnessing firsthand the impact on those in need within the community and understanding why supporting Our Place makes a significant difference to those facing the greatest challenges.
Sponsored Meals start at $600 for a hearty breakfast, $750 for a warm and nourishing lunch, and $850 for a full nutritious dinner.
The annual Dodd’s Christmas dinner takes place on December 21 and will be held at the Our Place Pandora community centre. Dinner will include turkey with all the fixings, plus festivities to celebrate the season and Dodd’s 25 years of making a huge difference in our community.
“Thank you, Gordy, for supporting Our Place throughout the past 25 years, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas each year,” says Julian Daly, Our Place’s CEO. “Your generosity is remarkable.”
To give to Our Place’s meals program and other services, please look for the fundraising pamphlet in today’s Times Colonist, fill it out and simply return it in the mail. To learn more about the Sponsored Meals program at Our Place, please email Melissa at [email protected]. You can also donate by calling 250-940-5060, or by visiting www.ourplacesociety.com/donate.
