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Countless volunteer hours, hundreds of peeled potatoes and close to 60 turkeys are just a few of the things that make up the Soul Harbour Rescue Mission’s annual Christmas community meal.
Taeryong No is the director of Christian ministries for the rescue mission, which has been serving the province since 1990.
He said love is also a key component.
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“In the meal, in the food, in the gift, there are lots of love and lots of warm heart,” he said.
“Through this kind of time and this kind of donation, I really want them (people coming for the meal) to feel like they are not alone and they are always together with our community.”
Taeryong No has been with the organization for five years. He’s grateful for every donation and volunteer. (Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission/Submitted)
He said the preparation for the large meal has gone smoothly, especially since they’ve done this countless times before. The whole month of December is filled with “sponsored meals.”
No said the organization can always use more donations, including turkeys, as they are a little short for the end of the month.
People coming in for the Christmas meal can expect all the classic fixings like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and fruit.
They’ll also receive a gift, thanks to donations and the work of the volunteers, which No says make everything possible.
“We rely on the volunteers a lot,” he said.
“The volunteer is everything. They are doing everything; scooping the meal, delivering the meal and cleaning up the dining room, (they have) a warm heart to everybody visiting the kitchen.”
No said there are many ways to get involved with the organization and volunteers are always welcome.
“(For) the volunteer, it’s a really great opportunity for themselves to deliver their heart to others. But also, we really appreciate each volunteer,” he said.
Volunteers spend countless hours in the kitchen throughout the whole month of December to put meals on the table. (Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission/Submitted)
As for how many people the rescue mission expects to feed, No said it’s very weather-dependent.
He said last year, 350 people joined the Christmas meal. But for this year’s Thanksgiving meal, which saw warmer-than-usual temperatures, they fed around 650 people.
“I cannot guarantee how many people will come for the Christmas community meal, but hopefully, many people come in to enjoy the meal and also enjoy the love through our ministry,” No said.
While December is a busy time for the organization, No said all the hard work is worth it.
“It makes me very warm heart because a lot of people try to join our ministry to deliver the love to others. So I really appreciate our community,” he said.
The meal will be served on Dec. 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., or until food runs out.
According to its website, the organization’s goal is to “rescue people from poverty and addiction by offering the Gospel message through emergency help, such as food, clothing and shelter, and Life Changing Recovery Programs.”
It also offers daycare services, addiction programming and affordable housing.
