Devin Dubois wields the BBQ tongs as a volunteer hands out a free burger at Kinsmen Park on Friday afternoon. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Community BBQ

Hot dogs, hamburgers and help; BBQ open to the community

Aug 23, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A desire to do more turned into a barbecue in Prince Albert’s Kinsmen’s Park on Friday, with community members stepping up with donations of food and help.

Devin Dubois decided a little while ago he wanted to do something good for the community so he reached out and people responded with donations of hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments, cupcakes and drinks.

“Me and my sister just decided we’re going to fire up a barbecue and hand out some free burgers,” said Dubois.

He thought it would be just the two of them, but over a dozen people stepped up to help out.

Part of the inspiration came from the death of local man Trevor Laplante, who was killed about a month ago in a homicide. Michael Bird is charged with his death.

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Along with the food, the smiles are free. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

“I wasn’t like his best friend or anything, but he was a guy I knew. It really hit home, and it really hurt,” said Dubois.

That combined with other losses and personal challenges led him to want to spread some positivity. He tried a variety of scavenger hunts and then decided to try the barbecue.

On Thursday night, the day before the barbecue, his went missing so he reached out for some help because he wanted the event to continue. The Bernice Sayese Centre stepped up and loaned him their barbecue.

He hopes to do more barbecues but said he won’t be approaching businesses for donations since he thinks he shouldn’t need to.

“They are perfectly capable of boxing up food and dropping it off at the homeless shelter,” he said.

“We’re out here, this is all just from the people. Everything here was donated from the people. There is not a single dollar from any corporation, although they are always welcome.”

Some fancy cupcakes to go along with the hotdogs and hamburgers. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com