As the festive season draws near, many individuals in Thunder Bay, Ont., are prioritizing a warm meal above all else. Various local organizations are stepping up to provide free meals to those in need during the Christmas period.
Here are some of the groups in the Thunder Bay area offering complimentary meals:
– People Advocating for Change Through Empowerment (PACE): Hosting a Christmas Dinner on Dec. 19 at 409 George St.
– Salvation Army Soup Van: Serving dinner daily from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wilson Park, with special hot turkey meals on Christmas Day.
– St. Andrew’s Dew Drop Inn: Offering take-home lunches and hot meals daily at 292 Red River Rd.
– Urban Abbey: Inviting people for meals at 308 Red River Rd., with lunch on weekdays and dinner on Saturdays.
– Elevate NWO: Providing meals at 106 Cumberland St. N., Suite 102 for active clients, with breakfast and lunch available Monday to Friday.
– Roots Community Food Centre: Serving hot meals on Wednesdays and Fridays, with traditional meals in partnership with the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre.
Gary Ferguson, the Executive Director at the Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre, mentioned that their organization serves up to 86 individuals three meals a day at their shelter. In winter, they provide around 250 shelter meals and 100 soup portions daily through their soup van.
The Salvation Army will continue its Christmas Day soup van service, distributing hot turkey meals and gifts to those in need. Ferguson shared that they engage in Christmas activities, such as caroling, distributing hot beverages, and interacting with individuals, before concluding by 5 p.m.
These initiatives aim to ensure that everyone in Thunder Bay can enjoy a warm meal and a sense of community during the holiday season.