Hope Mission banquets brighten Christmas season for vulnerable
Hundreds gather to enjoy fine meal and fine friendship during time of celebration
As the band played jazzy Christmas tunes, friends greeted each other warmly Monday before settling down at long tables decorated for a full Christmas meal.
“I have goose bumps,” said Kenneth Poirier, looking around as his friends laughed and chatted over warm plates of food.
Monday night was the first Christmas banquet of the season at the Hope Mission, 9908 106 Ave., an organization that has offered a helping hand to the city’s impoverished and homeless since 1929.
“We know that for people who are homeless in Edmonton, it can be a pretty lonely time on the streets, especially at Christmastime when they are estranged from family and don’t have a place to have Christmas,” said Robin Padanyi, spokesman for the Hope Mission.
“We throw open our doors and we really put on a feast.”
A line stretched around the building as people waited for a seat. Padanyi said the mission was hosting two seatings per night, serving 600 guests each time.
More than a hot meal, these Christmas banquets offer an opportunity for friends and family to celebrate together, something that can be hard to come by for those living lonely on Edmonton’s streets.
“Christmas is really a time to gather around meals with loved ones to be able to celebrate,” Padanyi said.
“For us over at Hope Mission, it’s no different. This is a family.”
Poirier relished the opportunity to sit down for a festive meal with all of his friends.
“My friends, they are all here,” he said, gesturing down the long table of smiling patrons.
Padanyi said tough economic times have seen more families coming through the shelter’s doors.
“Unfortunately, we see a lot of parents who are coming to us with their kids in tow, grandparents with their grandkids, who just need a little bit of help towards the end of the month,” Padanyi said.
By offering a Christmas meal, Padanyi said he hopes to share the joy of the season with those who may be struggling.
More than 50 volunteers helped put together and serve the banquet, made possible by donations from local grocers and retailers as well as donations from people in the community.
The Hope Mission will host three more Christmas banquets, on Dec. 11, Dec. 15 and Dec. 18.
For more information, go to hopemission.com/edmonton.