Fifteen years ago, the owner of one of Richmond's White Spot restaurants told the company he wanted to do something special for Christmas Day.
A decade and a half later, more than $150,000 has been raised for local charities after the idea from Richmond Centre location owner Prakash Ganatra took off.
And next Wednesday, Dec. 25, the restaurant will open its doors again from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with staff working for free and all tips and profits going to the local charity of White Spot's choice.
Their aim, as always, is to break the previous year's total - which stands at $10,028.
"Giving back has always been a big part of who we are in Richmond and the owner there, Prakash, is a great community guy," said White Spot president Warren Erhart.
"And his idea has really gathered momentum through the years with the Kingsway restaurant joining in about seven years ago."
Between the two locations, more than $210,000 has been raised for charity.
The only problem, however, is juggling the staffing schedule to fit in all the people volunteering to work for free on Christmas Day.
"Everyone wants to be a part of it," added Erhart.
"Most of the shifts are going to be short ones because of the amount of people wanting to work for free. It's very rewarding all round and I always make a point of dropping into the restaurants on the day."
