Two years ago, Morris resident Joan Van Der Linde put out the first loaf for The Bread Basket, a community labour of love that provides free fresh-baked bread for people who need it.

On March 23rd of this year, the big-hearted baker produced loaf number 3,000, a milestone she never dreamed of.

“And it wasn't even a goal. You know, when I started two years ago with loaf number one, it was just a simple gesture of kindness in this world that we were trying to come to terms with, the pandemic having started. And I had no idea where it was going to go. My sister was saying if I carry on with that trajectory, that means I will be doing 4,000 this coming year, which I don't think I will be doing.”

In the beginning, Van Der Linde alone was texting, messaging and phoning people, which she says made the process feel like work. However, when volunteers began delivering her loaves and spreading the hugs, she sensed a new energy for the project.

Linde says she’ll keep on baking.