THUNDER BAY – Plans to hold the Salvation Army's annual Thanksgiving meal in person for the first time since 2020 have been scuttled by a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the organization reported Friday.
The Sunday afternoon feast will now be available as a drive-thru or walk-up event from noon to 2 p.m..
It’s open to anyone in the community.
Gary Ferguson, executive director at the Journey to Life Centre, said it’s a chance to give back to those who live in Thunder Bay, who might need a holiday meal or are spending Thanksgiving alone.
“This is the time of year when we have so much to be grateful for, and it’s a lonely time for many people, so we’re happy to do this,” Ferguson said.
The decision to move to a drive-thru event was made after several residents at the centre tested positive Friday, the centre said.
Ferguson noted COVID protocols will be in place, and said the Thunder Bay District Health Unit had advised offering the drive-thru event was a safe alternative.
On Friday, two days before the Sunday afternoon meal is scheduled, prep work was already under way.
A dozen or so volunteers from Thunder Bay Fire Rescue were on hand peeling more than 200 pounds of potatoes, a mainstay of any Thanksgiving dinner.
It’s an annual tradition, one that’s been going on for a quarter of a century and that firefighters look forward to every year.
Kevin Anderson, who does public relations for the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association, said the membership was eager to stop by the Cumberland Street shelter and help ensure Sunday’s meal goes off without a hitch.
“We had a big turnout from all our guys that are off duty today, coming out and using all their personal time to help out … Sunday we’ll be back to help serve the dinner for hundreds of people,” Anderson said.
The menu will consist of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and vegetables and for dessert, apple and pumpkin pie.
Soft drinks will also be served.
The meal takes place Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Free bus service will be available courtesy of Iron Range Bus Line, departing from the Water Street terminal and the City Hall terminal.
