Thanks to generous donations of several Edmonton companies, an annual dinner that serves 1,000 warm meals to people in need in our city will go ahead this winter just as it has for the past 25 years.
Last week, Bissell Centre said its annual New Year’s Day dinner was in jeopardy because it hadn’t secured a catering partner.
READ MORE: Bissell Centre’s annual New Year’s Day dinner in jeopardy
Bissell Centre put out a plea for help, which was answered in spades. Bissell Centre spokesperson Darren Brennan said they received more than 50 offers from people wanting to provide everything from catering and kitchen space to volunteers.
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support that we have received to help us put on our New Year’s Day Dinner this year for people living in poverty,” Brennan said.
The offers were so great, some companies have already offered to help with next year’s dinner, which comes as a huge relief to staff at the Bissell Centre.
“People really stepped up to help and it looks like we made some really good contacts to ensure that our dinner won’t be in this position again,” Brennan said.
The following organizations will help with this winter’s dinner:
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- Donna’s Eatery Restaurant and Catering – catering and cooking food for the event
- Alberta Turkey Producers – providing all the turkeys
- Collin Bruce Mortgage Team – providing funding to purchase additional food
- Norbest Farms – providing the potatoes
- Pegasus Paper – providing the cutlery, napkins and plates
- Wow! Factor Desserts, Duchess Bake Shop and Confetti Sweets – providing desserts
The annual turkey dinner, which has been a staple for less fortunate Edmontonians for 25 years, comes complete with holiday stockings for everyone. There’s also live music.
“This meal is so important. It’s about more than just serving a meal. It’s more than just a hot meal for people on the street. It’s also a place for them to get off of the streets… to be with friends and family,” Brennan said.
“Just seeing the smiles on their faces – they don’t have to think about the stresses of living in poverty and what they’re going to do for the day.”
Last year’s dinner saw a spike in attendance, as Albertans dealt with a low-performing economy.
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