Robert Rabello spent part of his Thanksgiving Sunday volunteering at Penticton’s Soupateria.
Robert, who lives in Summerland, was aided by his wife and two sons. They all agreed there was no better way for this family to spend time together during the long weekend.
“I want to take care of other people and this is a good opportunity to do that,” Robert’s son, Valerian Rabello said.
But for Robert, serving the hungry is more than a passion. It’s something that hits very close to home.
“I’ve not been homeless, but I’ve been very close,” Robert said.
“I know what it’s like to be hungry, I know what it’s like to be very skinny… I know what it’s like to envy your neighbour’s catfood.”
Another volunteer, Rudolf Mejia, said he travelled from Peachland to volunteer at the soup kitchen.
For Mejia, it’s a family affair as well, but in a much different way.
The helping hands are very welcome, especially after what volunteer coordinator Dona Magill calls one of the liveliest seasons the soup kitchen has ever seen.
“I’ve been here for eight years and this was the busiest summer I’ve had,” he said.
“Trying to feed 200 people, or 190 people or 180 people in one hour of serving time is a tremendous challenge.”
Johnny Iannone said he’s homeless and is one of those people who regularly eats at the Soupateria.
“My mom and dad died years ago. My dad died of a heart attack at 52… and I don’t talk to my brothers,” Iannone said.
“I’m now living on the streets.”
Thanksgiving would otherwise be a pretty lonely time for Iannone, but thanks to the soup kitchen, he can still look forward to a sit down turkey dinner with all the fixings.
“I’m grateful for having this Soupateria and the wonderful people that volunteer here day in and day out,” Iannone said.
Volunteers are gearing up for a large crowd for Monday’s turkey dinner.
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