The Salvation Army Makes Community Connections Through Friendsgiving Potluck

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season for many Maritimers. It is a time to come together with friends and family to celebrate and reflect on life’s blessings.

Each year, The Salvation Army works hard to ensure everyone has the same opportunities to enjoy the spirit and tradition of Thanksgiving. Whether that is providing supplies from our food banks to prepare a meal or, in some locations, serving a delicious dinner.

In Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, The Salvation Army was inspired to not only serve a meal but also create a space that allowed community members to connect and celebrate the holiday together by hosting a “Friendsgiving” potluck.

With no immediate family in their area, Lieutenants Kaitlin and Justin Russell understand firsthand how difficult it can be not to have someone to share a meal with, especially during the holidays. “Our Friendsgiving potluck was an opportunity to come together as a community, make connections and share a meal,” said Lieutenant Kaitlin Russell. “For people that would otherwise have been alone, it allowed them to meet new friends, create new traditions and lifelong memories.”

In their beautifully transformed sanctuary space, church members, thrift store staff, volunteers and community friends gathered to get to know each other through food and fellowship – and even a lively game of ‘Find the Guest Who’ Bingo!

“We asked everyone to bring along their favourite side dish or dessert, but most importantly, we asked them to bring a friend,” shared Kaitlin, who was delighted to see over fifty attendees this past weekend.

Through your donation, The Salvation Army can continue to #GiveHopeToday to vulnerable members in your community by stocking our food bank shelves and ensuring everyone can enjoy a holiday meal. Learn more at https://bit.ly/TheSADonate