It started as something to cheer up her community and people from across Manitoba when the pandemic first hit and now, Joan van der Linde has baked more than 2100 loaves of bread.
On March 12, 2020, Joan was on her way to Swan River and 10 days later, she started wondering what she could do to bring a smile to people's faces and baking bread was the way to go. Loaf one was given out in late March of 2020 and late last month, Joan who goes by the 'BREAD basket' on Facebook did a draw for the 2000th loaf of bread.
"I just wanted to make someone smile with everything that was going on and I felt this was a perfect way," said van der Linde. "I love baking so it's really enjoyable for me."
Van der Linde says it's crazy how much this has grown and at one time, she had as many as nine breadmakers doing their magic. Joan is based in Morris so if you're ever in the area, you can message her on Facebook and get your own loaf. She says people from the Parkland region have done so in the past.
"If I didn't love this, I wouldn't be doing it," said Van der Linde. "I love the joy that this is bringing people and all of the stories that come with it."
As of Monday, Joan had given away 2107 loaves. Her goal is to make 50 loaves a week as she hopes to get to 3000 by March 20, 2022. And to top it all off, Joan donates several a week to the local food bank in Morris.
