Christmas meals for Kelowna’s less fortunate a ‘silver lining’ amid difficult time of year
On Dec. 18 the Gospel Mission in Kelowna fed about 500. For some, it’s a glimmer of happiness during a dreary and depressing season.
One of their first stops was a gravel parking lot on Baillie Avenue, where dozens of people eagerly accepted their gift.
Each meal included turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, topped off with a slice of pie.
On Baillie Avenue, a line of people waiting for meals formed. Some put their meal into a backpack and walked or rode off, while others immediately started eating.
With arms linked, Gary Baker and Stephanie Hermiston quietly stood in line together. After receiving their meal they thanked the volunteers, wished them a Merry Christmas and walked back to their tent which was situated close by.
Baker finished his meal quickly. Hermiston savoured it. Both agreed it meant a lot.
“It’s survival,” said Baker.
“He said it – I was hungry, I know it meant a lot to me right now,” added Hermiston.
After finishing their meal they leaned against each other in the cold and chatted about what time they were going to be woken up in the morning, and where they would go next.
Asked how they were feeling with Christmas just around the corner, they looked at each other and smiled. Baker said he’s happy to have a new partner. Stephanie agreed but admitted the holidays can be depressing. She wished she was with her kids.
Full story here. (Phil McLachlan/Kelowna Capital News)
