‘We want to let them know people care about them’: Winnipeg charities prep for holiday dinners

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This article was published 19/12/2023 (628 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Eighty-five turkeys, more than 100 kilograms of stuffing, nearly 300 kg of mashed potatoes and 190 litres of gravy make a Christmas meal fit for a community.

The Salvation Army Centre of Hope is preparing to serve some 1,500 people Wednesday for its annual Christmas dinner. The downtown Winnipeg charity is also ready for an increase in the that number, joining in among the familiar faces.

“People come every year. People are really excited to come and be with us,” executive director Mark Stewart said Tuesday. “It’s kind of like a reunion, almost like seeing family.”

Close to 70 volunteers are busy getting the food prepped for four seatings in the afternoon. If more community members drop in, they are ready to set an evening meal.

Last year, the Salvation Army had roughly the same number of helpers, and many return each year to serve, said Stewart.

Residents of the building at 180 Henry Ave. will also have the chance to take part in a Christmas lunch Dec. 25.

“It’s important, because we love our community,” Stewart said. “We want to let them know people care about them.”

Meantime, the Salvation Army has noted a “massive increase” in visitors, especially newcomers to Canada, he added.

“We’re excited, but we’re nervous,” Stewart said. “It means a lot that we’re able to provide this gathering and to say to people for the night, ‘You’re not alone.’”

This year, event guests can also get a hair cut, at no cost. A photo booth is also available to provide visitors with a memento.

An additional 350 meals will be sent to Lighthouse Mission, nearby on Main Street.

“I’m feeling very emotional,” Stewart said by phone. “It’s really just special to see the smiles on people’s faces.”

Three blocks away, Siloam Mission is getting ready for an estimated 800 people at its seasonal gathering Friday at noon. That number is up from previous years, when the organization served between 500 and 650 guests.

Volunteers started getting ready five weeks ago, despite lower-than-average food donations, chief executive officer Tessa Whitecloud said, noting inflationary pressure is influencing how much people can give.

She was hopeful Siloam can provide a meaningful holiday event for its visitors.

“I think it’s a special opportunity for folks to be a part of a Christmas celebration,” Whitecloud said. “For a lot of folks, they may not have the opportunity to feel loved and cared for this Christmas season.”

Clients are already asking about the dinner and looking forward to the meal of meatballs and other traditional Christmas fare, said Whitecloud.

Siloam will remain open Christmas Day for those in need.

Three kilometres away at Agape Table, volunteers are expecting 650-700 guests each day Thursday, Friday and Monday.

The need for these meals is a little bit higher this year, said executive director Jim Steep, adding the demographic is changing as a lot more people come through its doors.

Guests that use the charity food bank are excited about the annual festive food, including turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, cooked vegetables and apple pie, he said.

“They really look forward to it. I really can’t believe how many people ask, ‘When’s your Christmas dinner?’”

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Because of recent donations — including nearly 225 kg of food via Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville and the Sharing Hope Initiative — Steep said the organization operating out of the basement of Wave Church will have more available to fill its hampers.

Guests will also have a wider variety of items to choose from to take home to their own pantries, he added.

“The spirit of the volunteers kind of rubs off on everybody,” Steep said. “It just creates a great atmosphere at Agape Table.”

In the West End, an invitation-only lunch hosted by the Sons and Daughters of Italy will donate leftovers and extra meals to Rossbrook House drop-in centre.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca