THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association and The Salvation Army have started preparations for their drive through and walk up Thanksgiving Dinner at The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre for the lonely and needy in Thunder Bay.
“The goal is just to provide a nice Thanksgiving dinner to the less fortunate that need it, so, for over 20 years we’ve been doing this, Friday we start peeling potatoes, on Sunday we’ll serve over 200 meals,” said Kevin Anderson with the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association.
“In the last couple of years we’ve had to do takeout due to COVID, but we’ll still do 200 to 300 meals out the door, but what we’re looking forward to is when people can gather again, hopefully next year, for Thanksgiving dinner.”
Poverty and homelessness are ongoing problems in Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Salvation Army are proud to be able to offer the people of Thunder Bay a little comfort.
“So many of us have a lot to be thankful for - and it’s great to share with others who don’t have the opportunity for a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner.“ said Salvation Army Journey for Life executive director Gary Ferguson.
“This dinner is only possible because of our partnership with the Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association and their families who take time out of their own festivities to help their neighbours,” said Ferguson.
For the last 24 years, it has become a tradition for the association along with family members to provide the meal and serve at the dinner to make it a special day for those attending.
As the pandemic continues, the association feels it is even more important support the community in this way and have worked with The Salvation Army to provide it in a safe way.
“This year will be a little bit different, actually, a little similar to last year, we’re going to have the drive up and the walk through, and again, that’s because of COVID protocols,” Ferguson added.
“I think everybody’s looking to the change from COVID, hopefully if everything keeps going and the numbers decline, we’ll actually sit down again like we did in the past.”
The dinner is offered free to any who are in need or feeling lonely, and will be held On Oct. 10, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre, 545 Cumberland Street North.
