Kingston charity readies Thanksgiving feast for 120 needy people

Thanksgiving is a time when many people get together with family and friends.  But for those who don’t have the means to put a turkey on the table, a local organization is stepping up to help.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society in Kingston has been helping those less fortunate for years and over the Thanksgiving weekend, they will host a flavourful feast. The event is run by staff and volunteers. Charlie Lavigne has been helping wash dishes for the organization for the past year and enjoys giving back.

“It’s a way of giving service to the community and also mixing with people,” says Lavigne.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's a way of giving service to the community and also mixing with people," says Lavigne.

Lavigne is one of many volunteers gearing up to serve a Thanksgiving dinner to about 120 people.  The agency’s executive director, Judy Fyfe, says its an opportunity for people to come together.

“So many people who come here are so grateful and to give Thanksgiving is a really nice opportunity for them just to reflect on, even though times might be hard for them, there are still so many blessings they are thankful for,” Fyfe said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "So many people who come here are so grateful and to give Thanksgiving is a really nice opportunity for them just to reflect on, even though times might be hard for them, there are still so many blessings they are thankful for," Fyfe said.

Laurie Day has been cooking the festive meal for the past three years and says it’s a feast that includes all the traditional fixings.

“Turkey with all the trimmings, so mashed potatoes, stuffing, carrots, peas, freshly buttered rolls, pumpkin pie, pickles and cranberry sauce,” Day said.

This year the organization didn’t have to buy much for the Thanksgiving meal. All 10 turkeys, vegetables such as carrots and potatoes were donated.  In addition to the annual Thanksgiving dinner, St Vincent de Paul served 21,000 meals to the less fortunate. According to the executive director, that’s a 52 per cent increase from five years ago.

“Clearly there’s something going on. The need is increasing. People are under a lot of stress financially. Rising food costs, heating costs, costs of housing in Kingston,” Fyfe said.

Volunteers like Lavigne will be serving the Thanksgiving meal Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 in the dining hall at 85 Stephen St.