The less fortunate in Kelowna had access to a free traditional Thanksgiving meal Monday, thanks to the local Gospel Mission.
Staff and volunteers of all ages prepared long and hard for the annual traditional meal, cooking 60 turkeys, 20 hams, 500 pounds of potatoes, as well as stuffing, gravy and, of course, the traditional pumpkin pie.
Thanksgiving dinner has historically been the largest meal event for the Gospel Mission, dating back over 30 years.
Randy Benson, executive director of the Mission, said he expects between 700 and l000 people to attend the thanksgiving gathering from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. today.
Voluneteers serve potatoes, ham, turkey and other traditional foods for the less fortunate at the Gospel Mission today in
香蕉视频直播� Daniel Taylor (@DanTaylorKCN)
香蕉视频直播淣ot only do our clients and a lot of people from our shelter come out, but a lot of people from our community come out as well,香蕉视频直播� he said.
香蕉视频直播淭he demographic has changed from past years. Now we have all ages. Certainly, from the shelter香蕉视频直播檚 perspective, the senior香蕉视频直播檚 group has increased, but there will also be a lot of young people and some families who come in with their children.香蕉视频直播�
READ MORE: Water Quality Advisory in effect for those living in Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 Glenmore-Ellison area
The annual meal is organized in a family fashion, with 14 tables set up for people to sit and eat together.
Many members of the community asked to help with the dinner this year. More than 50 volunteers helped, with each person assigned to a specific table. After the initial serving, the volunteers were responsible for attending to the dinners at their table, as well as cleaning up.
People of all ages enjoy their traditional thanksgiving meals at Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 Gospel Mission.
香蕉视频直播� Daniel Taylor (@DanTaylorKCN)
香蕉视频直播淐ertainly, for our community, it provides a chance to give back,香蕉视频直播� said Benson.
香蕉视频直播淚 think, as well, for the people who get involved, it normalizes the homeless people. Too often we tend to put them in a group by themselves, but really they香蕉视频直播檙e like you and me. We香蕉视频直播檙e all just one paycheck away from being homeless.
香蕉视频直播淚 think for the people we serve, it香蕉视频直播檚 also a chance to honor them and let them know that they香蕉视频直播檙e important, they香蕉视频直播檙e loved and they香蕉视频直播檙e supported. It goes beyond just the regular meal. We want it to be an experience for them.香蕉视频直播�
READ MORE: Whisky lovers get another crack at purchasing prized Okanagan product
Terry Scott is the lead volunteer at the Gospel Mission. He had spent 35 years in the RCMP before retiring and lending his time to help the less fortunate. He said the dinner showcases the Mission香蕉视频直播檚 need to feed as many people as they do.
香蕉视频直播淭here香蕉视频直播檚 a lot of people out there who just can香蕉视频直播檛 afford a regular meal and we香蕉视频直播檙e here to provide it. Not just today, but every day of the year.香蕉视频直播�
Like us on and follow us on .
