As we enter into Thanksgiving weekend, a local charity served over 470 free turkey dinners around the province, for those in need.
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has locations all over Nova Scotia that regularly serves about 600 hot meals across the province, every day.
However, Friday afternoon was one of their “special days” according to Chief Program Officer, Marni Yuke, who has been with the charity for five years.
She tells our newsroom, dinners were “amazing” in all four of their drop-ins between Bridgewater, Lower Sackville, Truro and Sydney Mines.
“When there’s a holiday, we want everyone to, you know, have that experience and we like to give away a special treat whenever we do a special dinner. So, today everyone is getting a pair of socks and a chocolate bar when they leave, just to take with them.”
According to the menu, those attending had their pick of oven roasted turkey with brie in a wrap, caramelized onion, homemade cranberry chutney, homemade stuffing, sweet potato casserole and mashed potatoes and gravy.
Pumpkin pie with whipped cream as well as coffee and tea for dessert.
Feeling the love
Yuke says people love to come to their holiday dinners and “feel the love when they walk through the door”.
“Anyone that wants to come for a meal and just sit and have friendship. It’s really a hot day to volunteer. We show love every day, but we go the extra mile to make it that more special because we know a lot of people are coming from different circumstances.”
She adds, some people have loss around certain holidays that need a little extra care and attention and “that’s what we are here for”.
One couple who came for the first time, Yuke says, had no idea they provide meals Monday through Friday.
”They said they never experienced anything like this before and the husband with tears in his eyes said, they will definitely be back!”
Making a difference
Souls Harbour provides not only hot meals every day but basic needs as well like coats, shirts, pants and toiletries.
The need has gotten even greater over the past year, Yuke says, with the price of food and cost of living rising that some who come see them regularly, are not even unhoused.
“They just, you know, are having a rough week or ran out of money that month and you know, that’s what we are here for. If anyone needs a hot meal, you just come through the doors, sit down and we will serve you like restaurant.”
Yuke says she loves being in her position, but sometimes it’s hard to see things, but the “why” behind everything they do, matters.
“Sometimes we have long days and we’re running around picking up donations from different people, and the hours may vary. You may be working a holiday…but it matters. So, you know you’re making a difference inside our province and community and that’s enough.”
A big meal will be served in Halifax on Cunard Street, Monday.
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