Giving Thanks

Salvation Army centres across the Alberta & Northern Territories Division served traditional Thanksgiving dinners to residents, clients, and guests this weekend with the help of volunteers and staff. Dinners were held in Red Deer, Yellowknife, Peace River, the Addictions and Residential Centre in Edmonton, and the Agape Hospice, Centre of Hope, Women’s residence, and Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre in Calgary.

“It’s more than just a meal,” says Peace River Corps Officer Lt. Peck-Ee Wong. “They come for the fellowship and friendship this community brings to these events. People from all walks of life, not just the homeless, ask us when the next dinner is going to be because they look forward to them so much.” Peace River had a team of seven volunteer cooks and helpers that spent the day preparing a Thanksgiving meal that over 80 people enjoyed. The popular event also included games and prizes.

“We are pretty busy as demand for our programs increases and volunteers are vital in helping us meet the community’s needs,” says Red Deer Corps Officer Major Larry Bridger. “Without them, we’d be lost.” Red Deer had 22 volunteers serve 275 meals on Thanksgiving day, plus a full force of congregation members to prepare the vegetables and carve turkeys beforehand.

The Mission of The Salvation Army is to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs, and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. “Thanksgiving is more than the turkey and pumpkin pie,” says Divisional Commander Major Ron Cartmell. “It is a time when the family gathers together, and for many of the people who turn to The Salvation Army, we are family.”