Salvation Army Provides Thanksgiving Meal for Vancouver’s Most Vulnerable

As the leaves turn brown and pumpkins become a regular sight, we realize that fall is upon us. With fall comes Thanksgiving, a time that brings friends and family together to share a delicious and abundant meal. For some, it’s a time of celebration, but for others who are less fortunate, it can be just another regular day.

The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light in Vancouver has been providing a large community meal for the city’s most vulnerable during Thanksgiving for years. For seven decades, Harbour Light has been a place of miracles and new beginnings in the downtown eastside. The hundreds of meals served would not be possible without dedicated kitchen staff and volunteers.

“Many of the clients don’t have family. They are basically on their own.”

Russell Tole is one of the longest-tenured staff members in the Harbour Light kitchen. His responsibilities include serving food, keeping snacks and drinks station stocked up, and communicating with clients to ensure that any allergies or dietary restrictions are known by the cooks.

Russell believes that offering a Thanksgiving meal provides clients with much-needed warmth and companionship.

“Many of the clients don’t have family, or the family they have don’t want to be with them. They are basically on their own and we are one of the few places I would imagine that provide this service for them,” Russell says. “It is extremely gratifying to be able to help them get off the street for a while and give them something nutritious to eat.”

Since 2007, Russell has been working at Harbour Light. He initially came to The Salvation Army a year prior to receive addiction support. As part of his recovery, he started volunteering in the kitchen. He was later offered a permanent position after completing his recovery program.

Russell is amazed and proud to reflect on the fact that he’s been with The Salvation Army for 17 years, helping people in need. He never imagined he would find himself in this position back when he was struggling with addiction.

“It is extremely gratifying to be able to help them get off the street for a while.”

“I became accustomed to the process of helping people. I learned how we help save lives every day,” Russell shares.

His experience helps Russell to better interact with clients and serve as an example, giving them hope.

The staff consistently receives positive feedback from clients, who express gratitude for the excellent food.

This year, The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light Thanksgiving Lunch will be on Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Preparations are in progress. Russell enjoys the Thanksgiving meal each year because it unites everyone, including clients, staff, and volunteers who work together to make the event a success.

“It is a very upbeat atmosphere. We put up decorations and the volunteers who come in typically do all the serving from steam tables. That way we can just keep pumping meals out,” Russell adds.

 

By Juan Romero