The Christmas supper will look a different for Souls Harbour Rescue Mission this year.
They would typically hold a huge feast, but because of COVID, will instead be handing out takeout meals.
Executive director Joseph Miller says despite the change in atmosphere, the message is the same.
“December is a very busy month for us. It is every year; that hasn’t changed and that won’t change,” Miller said. “The need is always there, if not more than ever.”
On Tuesday starting at 11 a.m., people will be able to line up for a takeout-style Christmas dinner. They’ll be able to pick up their Christmas meal, goodies and essentials like toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Miller estimates around 400 to 450 people will show up throughout the day, saying he doesn’t anticipate it to be as busy as Thanksgiving.
“It has been tough for people. I know they really appreciated it when we were able to let them come in and enjoy their meal with friends,” he said. “For that not to happen this year, it’s sad for us, but it’s much harder for the people we serve.
“We still need to continue to provide these services.”
The process will look the same as it has previously. People will line up in a socially distanced fashion before they are allowed individually, or in their family groups, into the building to collect their meals before they leave.
“2020 was our 30th anniversary. We have been doing this for 30 years now and we’ve seen a lot of things in those 30 years,” Miller said. “This is different. It has changed the way that we deliver our services, but we’re still delivering the services.
“It’s not quite the way we expected to celebrate 30 years, but 30 years nonetheless, so we’ll take it as it comes.”