Blue Door Soup Kitchen stars on reality show

Sudbury's Blue Door Soup Kitchen made its national television debut on "Undercover Boss Canada" Sept. 19.

In the episode, Bob Johnston, a member of the Blue Door's public relations committee, had to train a volunteer named “Shelley” for what he thought was a documentary.

"We served a hot meal that day," Johnston said. "So we only had three hours to prepare a meal for 200 or 300 people."

Shelley had her work cut out for her.

With direction from Johnston, she prepared roasted potatoes and set out the chairs, all while trying not to burn the vegetables, which were boiling over on the stove.

Johnston admits he may have been a little tough on her, but says the clients deserve the best.

"When they showed me slapping her hands, that was all in humour, but I don't want to see someone picking up dirty chairs and going to touch food,” Johnston said.

Shelley also spent time working at other food banks across Canada, including Richmond, B.C., Saskatoon, Sask., and Mississauga, Ont.

At the end of episode, all the participants were invited to visit the national office of Food Banks Canada in Toronto, where Shelley revealed her true identity.

Turns out Shelley is actually Katherine Schmidt, executive director of Food Banks Canada.

"I thought it was fabulous, really," Johnston said. "Katherine is a great, caring woman, and I can see why she's the executive director. I really enjoyed working with her."

During the show, Schmidt described Johnston as a “tough guy,” but said she knew he had a big heart. "I walked in like a bull, and went out like a little lost sheep."

In appreciation for his big heart, Johnston received an all-expenses-paid vacation to Moncton, N.B. with his wife and son and the Blue Door Soup Kitchen received new tables and chairs provided by generous donors.

The Blue Door Soup Kitchen feeds hundreds of people each day and runs solely on donations. If you would like to make a donation, phone the organization at 705-675-5300.