HALIFAX – A Halifax shelter continues to give back to those less fortunate.
On Tuesday, the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Halifax held its third annual New Year’s Eve dinner for the needy.
The event has become a big hit and continues to grow each year.
“Thank you for the food that warms our hearts and our bodies,” said Mission Co-founder Michelle Porter, as she gave grace in front of the packed house on Cunard Street.
“We were prepared for 250, and we have 180 per seating,” said Porter. “As people leave, we quickly reset the table. We don’t want anyone waiting in line outside today.”
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Many people are grateful for the dinner, saying they would not have a meal like it were it not for the mission.
“All my family is actually out West. I’m a recent arrival here in Halifax,” said Paul Redsky.
“Being that I don’t have any immediate family in the community, it’s just a great way to meet new people and not be alone on Christmas and New Year’s…just enjoy the spirit of the season and the positive energy that people give off.”
There was live music on both floors of the mission in addition to a lot of food.
Porter said the generosity shown by individuals and companies makes the dinner possible.
“People of Halifax and Nova Scotia have been so generous to us,” she said.
“We’ve got little cookie packets to take home, candy canes, amazing stockings, just packed to the gills. We have had Sweet Hereafter Cheesecakery donate 300 pieces of cheesecake. We have the TGIF, which is the Thank God It’s Friday business networking group, they donated the turkeys.”
Besides the cheesecake, the shelter served 245 pounds of turkey, 100 boxes of stuffing, 80 pounds of vegetables and 900 specialty cookies.
The event has become so popular, Porter said she has had to turn away volunteers.
But for those who make the cut, like Judy Burgess, they’re thankful for the chance to help out.
“I think it’s a humbling experience for sure and it’s an honour to serve,” she said.
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