Gospel Mission serves up Thanksgiving meal for people-in-need

More than 500 people-in-need will get a special Thanksgiving meal on Monday at the Gospel Mission in Kelowna.

The meal will be served at noon to residents of the mission’s emergency shelter on Leon Avenue.

The facility’s kitchen is cooking 30 turkeys, 16 hams, and 250 pounds of potatoes for the event.

Meals will also be delivered to multiple locations around town, including people living outside, by the mission’s outreach teams and volunteers.

Carmen Rempel, Executive Director of the Gospel Mission, said they have seen an abundance of gratitude everyday at their shelters and on the streets.

“Almost everyone who walks through our doors in need wants to give back in some way, whether it’s pitching in to make the meal, wash the dishes or offer a simple “thanks.”

Rempel said for Thanksgiving, she is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of serving those in need.

“I’m thankful for the support of the community who makes it possible for people to be not only nourished but also to be seen, heard and feel a sense of family.”

Special effort will be made to decorate the mission shelter’s dining rooms, creating a festive space for Thanksgiving Day.

MLA’s Renee Merrifield and Norm Letnick and MP Tracy Gray will volunteer to help serve the meal.

Rempel said the mission’s needs extend beyond Thanksgiving and any help is greatly appreciated. Contact the Gospel Mission to donate, become a regular volunteer or give an in-kind gift.