ONE BIG FAMILY MEAL
Rosalie Salazar serves Clinton Lundy as the Calgary Drop-In Centre hosted 200 homeless men and women for a meal intended to ensure everyone shares in the holiday spirit.
More than 200 homeless men and women escaped the cold on Monday, finding holiday warmth in the Calgary Drop-In Centre’s annual Christmas Day lunch.
The centre served 38 turkeys, 300 pounds of vegetables and 300 pounds of potatoes over lunch, thanks to its multiple sponsors.
Vulnerable Calgarians also received a Christmas gift, consisting of a mug, bus tickets, sweet treats and a $10 coffee card. Those staying at the centre woke up to a Christmas stocking filled with items such as toiletries, socks, toques and mitts, as well as a holiday card written by students from across the city.
“For our clients, I think it’s really important to just have people that come in to volunteer and people that sponsor meals because it just reminds them that they aren’t alone,” said Drop-In Centre spokeswoman Shanika Abeysinghe. “Christmas in general can be a really tough time for the people that we serve, so just reminding them
Christmas in general can be a really tough time for the people that we serve... people want them to succeed.
that they are important, that they matter, that they belong and that they’re part of our community, and that people want them to be happy and they want them to succeed, it’s just the most important thing. All we can hope is that they do get that message.”
Abeysinghe said the centre has been at well overcapacity in the days leading up to Christmas, serving 1,100 people per day. A typical day during warmer months might see about 600 to 800 visitors.
In addition to lunch, the centre served a Christmas morning breakfast of 1,000 pancakes and sausages, an afternoon snack, and a Christmas dinner including 600 pounds of roast beef, 34 ounces of gravy, 440 pounds of stuffing and a cake for dessert.
The Drop-In Centre’s needs continue all year round, as it’s currently seeking meal sponsorships to cover January and February. Towels and underwear are always needed as well, Abeysinghe said.