There was plenty to be thankful for at the Gathering Place this holiday weekend.
Thanksgiving Monday saw just shy of 90 people come through the doors for the first Thanksgiving meal prepared at the soup kitchen’s new location on Cassells Street in North Bay.
See:Offering more than hot meals, The Gathering Place will soon provide outreach programs
With roughly double the seating and kitchen space, meal preps are easier, and the clients didn’t feel rushed to make room for someone else.
“It was a really smooth operation this year. And I think one of the most interesting things is that the folks who are coming in, are adjusting to there being more room, so there’s more time to eat and they can hang out. They can take a little bit longer and enjoy socializing with each other,” said executive director Dennis Chippa.
It was difficult to predict how many people would make their way to the soup kitchen in the rainy conditions.
“It was a really nice homey feel for these folks. I had a lady in from Toronto, and she said she loved the fact that it’s just okay to be here. I think people forget that any holiday can be difficult for some people, especially if they’re living alone. So this is a particularly important day for them to have the socialization because it can be lonely.”
For some clients, it was their first time in the new location.
“They made it up for the Thanksgiving meal because first of all, it’s a good meal, and they knew it would be a chance to visit with some friends. So It was wonderful.”
A group of dedicated volunteers offered both a warm meal and warm smile to anyone in need of one.
“Many of our volunteers are only here for this, they only come in to volunteer on Thanksgiving, so that was neat. Just a real feeling of camaraderie for everybody involved, including the folks coming in,” said Chippa.
The clients didn’t leave empty-handed. For the past few years, young Jackson Charette has been handing out pumpkin tarts for people to take home.
Charette’s grandmother Nicky volunteers at The Gathering Place.
“We do this with Family First at Holy Name church. The kids did all this. They baked all their tarts yesterday, and bagged them today,” said Charette.
She couldn’t imagine not volunteering at the soup kitchen on Thanksgiving.
“I would have been very disappointed had they said I couldn't come because I like to serve,” smiled Charette.
Catherine McLeod has volunteered for The Gathering Place in the past, but this was her first time helping out on Thanksgiving.
“I think it’s a great cause, and I just love being able to serve the people who need it the most,” said McLeod.
“The people were very happy to have a meal and I heard a comment from one person saying ‘I like coming here because we’re treated like people, and with respect.’ That really made my day. They were all very appreciative of having a hot meal and a place to come and eat where it’s warm. I enjoy seeing them leave here happy and full.”