Sarah Mills: The magic of the May Long Weekend
Sarah Mills is looking forward to the May Long Weekend, and says the holiday holds the promise of the summer ahead, even...
People lined up down the block, ready to be dished out a turkey dinner on Friday.
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission returned for its first in-person Thanksgiving meal since the pandemic began — many there were happy to be back sitting with friends and family.
Rachel Mullens, Director of Emergency Services with the soup kitchen, was happy to see everyone back.
“We’ve had lots of people asking about this, and lots of people wanting to come and enjoy this,” said Mullens.
Fifty-three turkeys were cooked and carved for dinner ready to serve 600 people. All the food as donated by different groups so the charity could put on the feast.
“This creates a family environment,” said Mullens. “A lot of them can’t afford to have a meal like this, maybe don’t have family to gather around the table to have a meal like this. For us it’s giving them what most Canadians get at Thanksgiving so they can enjoy what other people enjoy.”
Mullens said the group does three big meals every year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Earlier this year the Easter supper welcomed people back into the dining hall.
During the pandemic, meals were still given out but in take-out boxes to follow COVID-19 protocols. While people were still fed, there wasn’t the same community atmosphere.
Mullens was happy to see crowds pouring in the doors.
“It’s absolutely incredible to see them,” said Mullens. “I’m happy to see we are creating an environment and it makes me happy that they get what I get, a good Thanksgiving meal sitting around the table with other people.”
Joseph Howard was also happy to be sitting down with a friends and family for a nice meal.
“I’m very thankful that they put on Thanksgiving supper for us, because if it wasn’t for this good meal I don’t know where I would get the money to eat for today,” said Howard.
Howard has been coming to Thanksgiving supper for years. While he was glad Souls Harbour continued to do meals throughout the pandemic, he said he missed sitting in the dining hall for supper.
“I am very thankful for what I got, because you don’t know the struggle of what you’re going to get day-to-day,” said Howard.
Howard said the turkey and stuffing is very good, but the pumpkin pie was an extra special treat for the holiday.
Carrie Knipfel was attending dinner with four of her children and brother. It was Knipfel’s second Thanksgiving supper, and she was happy to attend this one in the dinning hall.
Knipfel said it’s “a tradition” to make sure her family is together for the holiday.
