Dressing up his plate with some pepper, a man named Allen alluded to the heft of inflation on food prices as he joined others filling up Our Place’s community centre on Tuesday (Oct. 3) for the non-profit’s Thanksgiving lunch.
“I’m on pension now and this really helps,” Allen said. “And you meet people too.”
The annual home-cooked meal dishes out turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, pumpkin pie and sweets donated by Rogers’ Chocolates for those struggling in the community. Local dignitaries and media personalities were also on hand to serve up the plates.
“Everybody loves a good holiday meal,” Our Place CEO Julian Daly said. “And our chefs never disappoint.”
Grant McKenzie, Our Place’s director of communication, watched on as the community centre filled up and a steady stream of people lined up to grab their meals.
“So many are estranged from family, so this becomes their family,” McKenzie said.
People who never thought they would need Our Place’s services are coming through their door this year, Daly added.
“Our Place has always been there for people going through difficult times — regardless of the reason.”
The services provider is holding a second Thanksgiving mean on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. thanks to support from local businessman Gordy Dodd.
READ: Robotics startup scores Saanich teen Amazon internship, scholarship
