Turkey dinner for 900

Kelowna’s Gospel Mission will serve up a free Thanksgiving dinner Monday from noon to 6 p.m.

The turkey and ham meal, with all the fixings, is prepared by staff and volunteers, with up to 900 people expected.

It is available to residents of the Mission’s emergency shelter as well as the public, many of whom are seniors or people living with disabilities.

“The people we see day to day are living under challenging circumstances. They are living in poverty and often call Kelowna’s Gospel Mission their home. When we celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey dinner our volunteers go the extra mile to give it a homey and special feeling,” said Randy Benson, Executive Director of the Mission. “People need someone in their corner, and we want to show them that there are so many people caring for them and rooting for them. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all that we have and a time to care for others who are hurting both physically and emotionally. We are constantly reminded of the importance of giving thanks.”

Among the more than 50 volunteers who will be serving meals are city councillor Loyal Wooldridge, MP Dan Albas, MLA Steve Thomson, MP Stephen Fuhr and Conservative candidate Tracy Gray.

Benson says the Mission’s needs extend beyond Thanksgiving, and any help to donate, become a volunteer, or give an in-kind gift, would be greatly appreciated.