Hot holiday meal

Christmas is just 10 days away but for some people in Kelowna, it arrived even earlier.
The Kelowna Gospel Mission held its annual Christmas dinner Saturday and it’s an occasion that some people would not get to enjoy if it weren’t for the organization.
Arnold August wouldn’t normally be able to eat a meal as luxurious as his plate laden down with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing and vegetables.
“It’s excellent. It’s good to have this on a Christmas day,” he said.
“I’m low-income. I come here to eat and they always serve excellent food.”
August, along with roughly 700 others, enjoyed the free holiday dinner at the downtown shelter.
Kitchen coordinator Jen Hartnett says staff and volunteers have been working on the meal since the end of November.
She says 48 turkeys, 20 hams and 300 pounds of potatoes were cooked for Saturday’s meal.
Gospel Mission Executive Director Randy Benson says that the food is meaningful for those who visit the shelter.
“It’s very important for people, especially if they don’t have families, a lot of single people and a lot of working people that can’t afford a regular Christmas meal, they can come here and enjoy it,” he said.
Benson adds that the number of people coming in this year for the hot meal is more than last year.
“I think it’s just an indication of the times we’re in, the economic difficulties a lot of people are experiencing,” he said.
And as plates were handed out and stomachs were filled, staff and volunteers looked on with pride.
“Today is the day that it all comes together. It’s nice to see all our hard work actually makes a difference,” Hartnett said.
Those enjoying the hot meal say that it does.
“The meal was great. It was excellent. Lots of good portions. I tell you the cranberry sauce is excellent,” said one man.
Marie Murchie tells CHBC News that she would not be able to have a Christmas dinner if it were not for the Gospel Mission.
Scott Keen is a client at the Gospel Mission who has been utilizing their services as he undergoes rehab. He says that his Christmas dinner would have been non-existent but thanks to the Gospel Mission, it was a reality.
“It reminds me of home. I’m not there this season it’s a nice reminder. It’s a feeling of comfort and joy and I enjoy the atmosphere,” Keen said.
Meanwhile for August, the hot holiday meal means a lot.
“It’s nice and hot and I’m hungry,” he said.