THUNDER BAY – Peeling potatoes and cooking up a dozen or more turkeys has become a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for members of the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters.
On Friday they were back at it again, peelers working furiously as they helped the Salvation Army of Thunder Bay prepare for its annual Community Dinner on Sunday afternoon.
Kevin Anderson, public relations with the TBPF, it’s a great way for firefighters, who sometimes see the seedier side of the city, to give back to the community and those who need the meal and camaraderie most.
“We’ve been doing it for 22 years,” said Anderson.
“We’re on the street seeing people who are in need every day, so it’s something easy for us to commit to.”
The union donates the money to cover the cost of most of the food, and in addition to the prep work on Friday, members help serve the meal on Sunday.
“If we didn’t support it, who knows if it would keep on going? It’s not only that they come for a dinner, but also socially and mentally they have a place to go,” Anderson said. “A lot of people just don’t have a place to go on Thunder Bay, so it’s a place for anyone to come.”
Gail Kromm, the community engagement manager at the Salvation Army, said the afternoon meal is always a joyous occasion.
“We’re expecting between 300 and 350 people. We’re inviting everybody who would like to come and probably couldn’t afford to have a big meal of their own, as well as people who might be alone or couples who don’t have family here and they just like to have some time together with some other people to enjoy this festive occasion,” Kromm said.
“It really lets them know that they’re not alone in the world and that people really care about them and that there is an opportunity to have something special, just like most of the rest of us enjoy.”
The Thanksgiving dinner takes place from noon until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Shuttles are available, courtesy of Iron Range Bus Line, from city hall and the Water Street bus terminal, starting at 11:45 a.m.
