THUNDER BAY – Kevin Anderson has seen the impact one holiday meal can make in people’s lives.
Anderson, a local firefighter and public relations coordinator with the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters’ Association, has played a pivotal role with the organization assisting the Salvation Army with their annual Thanksgiving feast.
A group of firefighters visited the Salvation Army headquarters Friday morning to help peel potatoes and do other preparation work in advance of the Sunday dinner.
“We have a lot of citizens in Thunder Bay who might not otherwise get a Thanksgiving dinner. The population at the Salvation Army is quite high and is growing. This is one way we can give back,” he said.
“A lot of our newer members and their families come out and it makes them realize there is a lot of poverty in Thunder Bay and it’s a good feeling if they can help a little bit.”
A group of firefighters and their families will also help serve the meal Sunday afternoon, which is made up of six whole turkeys, mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Salvation Army executive director Maj. Rob Kerr said the relationship with the firefighters, which dates back 17 years, is one that is highly valued.
“I think it’s a great partnership. It shows the community how much people care. It shows how much the firefighters’ association cares,” he said.
“They want to be a part of this and do something good in the community. They’re always doing good things but this is a happy event rather than some of the things they have to deal with on a regular basis.”
The organization is teaming up with Iron Range Bus Lines to offer shuttle services across the city for the dinner.
Even though the shelter portion of the Salvation Army has been running in overflow for the past number of weeks, the dinner is expected to draw the same number of people as it has in recent years.
“It’s been between 200 and 300 people and I expect we’ll see the same thing again this year,” Kerr said.
The dinner will run from noon until 2 p.m. on Sunday at the organization’s building on Cumberland Street.
