Union Gospel feeds overflow crowd for Thanksgiving

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This article was published 12/10/2024 (377 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With fork in hand, Jeffrey Richardson dove into a pile of mashed potatoes.

Turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing filled his plate. People experiencing homelessness and life near the poverty line filled the seats around him in a packed Union Gospel Mission.

“These are my new family members,” Richardson laughed.

He doesn’t have blood-related kin in town. But he could join his seatmate, Michael Kunz, for another Thanksgiving meal later on.

Siloam Mission held theirs Friday; the Salvation Army and Agape Table run similar events.

Union Gospel Mission aimed to space its Thanksgiving meal from other charities so attendees could hit several sites. The mission, like organizations of its kind, has clocked an ever-growing need.

“I was pretty impressed with our kitchen today,” said Ed Buller, manager of Union Gospel Mission’s Princess Street location.

They prepared for 200 people Saturday with the expectation they would over deliver. Instead, 221 plates circulated.

Extra turkey in the back — originally saved for program attendees next week — and stovetop stuffing were quickly heated and served to people waiting.

Buller likened the ongoing need to a staircase, something that just keeps rising. Inflation, higher interest rates and trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic are all contributors, Buller said.

“I… see fathers come to the door who are embarrassed to ask for a loaf of bread for their family because they used to be able to afford the loaf,” Buller said.

Now, often, it’s a choice between paying rent and buying that loaf, he continued.

Last year, Union Gospel Mission served Thanksgiving lunch to 160 people; this weekend marked a 61-person jump.

The charity provides lunch and dinner daily — anywhere from 60 to 100 patrons may arrive — and coffee at 2 p.m.

“The people that we serve are some of the classiest people you will ever meet,” Buller stated. “They’re beautiful people.”

Eugene Guiboche took a seat at Union Gospel Mission for its Thanksgiving lunch. He considered it “more or less” a feast; he’s homeless and plans to attend several Thanksgiving offerings at various shelters.

“I like the environment,” Guiboche said of Union Gospel Mission, steps away from its volunteers. “The people are good.”

Finding volunteers outside the holidays is a struggle, Buller noted. The Princess Street site is constantly seeking help and, as the seasons change, winter mitts, boots and jackets.

Southern Manitoba farmers often donate food to the non-profit. Winnipeg is a giving city, Buller said, adding it would be helpful if more residents gave their time.

Earlier this year, food banks reported increased usage. Harvest Manitoba served 21,575 households in January, a jump of more than 3,000 from the year prior.

Guiboche and fellow diners expressed gratitude for their meals.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com