More than 600 of the city’s most vulnerable sat down for a Christmas feast at the Hope Mission in downtown Edmonton Monday.
They enjoyed a buffet of Christmas classics: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and veggies.
“It’s a time when we can help gather people together, serve a meal that’s extra special and where we can celebrate the Christmas season together as a community,” said Kevin Wiebe of Hope Mission.
Monday’s banquet was one of four helping Edmonton’s most vulnerable. It was made possible by dozens of volunteers, who prepped, served and poured.
The holiday feast came at a time when the Hope Mission is as busy as ever.
Two weeks ago, the shelter served 3,000 meals in one day and continues to house people this winter.
“We’re currently having more than 1,000 people each night in our shelters,” Wiebe said. “Which is unprecedented in our history. Up until this year we didn’t have that.”
And the need continues to get bigger.
This season’s has been a particularly trying time for the Hope Mission, as the Canada Post strike has made financial donations dwindle. Food and clothing donations have not kept up either, the organization says.