Christmas dinner at the Gospel Mission.
Image Credit: Contributed
December 22, 2014 - 2:27 PM
KELOWNA – Christmas is the second busiest time of the year for the Kelowna Gospel Mission and this year more than 50 volunteers were on hand Saturday for their annual Christmas dinner.
As was the case in years past, the Mission served around 600 dinners to hundreds of hungry residents between noon and 6 p.m.
Executive director Randy Benson says the meal takes roughly 100 volunteers to pull off as preparations begin weeks in advance.
“Thanksgiving is our busiest time of the year but Christmas is a close second,” he says. “Seeing people enjoy a good meal and the genuine appreciation that they show as they are leaving is really great.”
In just six hours, volunteers served 40 turkeys, 16 hams, 250 lbs potatoes, 75 kilos vegetables as well as cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy and dessert.
This year the Powers Creek Church in West Kelowna also provided gift baskets packed with toiletries, clothing and treats for all the guest.
“This is not just a credit to what we do,” he says. “ it’s a credit to the community as well. The spirit of the meal is so good and people are very appreciative.”
The Gospel Mission serves members of the community all year and has a harder time finding volunteers once Christmas has passed. If you would like more information on how to help, visit their website.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014