Salvation Army Provides Thousands of Thanksgiving Meals and Food Hampers

thanksgiving feature
by SalvationArmy.ca
Categories: Articles, Feature, Mobile, Newswire
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Thanksgiving should be a time for sharing and celebration. But four million people in Canada can barely scrape enough together to put dinner on the table every day.

Across the country, The Salvation Army is striving to make sure everyone has something to eat this holiday. Whether providing nutritious supplies from our food banks, or, in some locations, serving a hearty Thanksgiving dinner, we hope that no one will go hungry.

“Whether it’s seniors on a fixed income, low-income earners, or those experiencing homelessness, The Salvation Army makes every effort to help people enjoy the spirit and tradition of Thanksgiving,” said Major Les Marshall, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army.

Last year The Salvation Army served more than 3.2 million meals at shelters and in feeding program across Canada.

"My first meal was a bowl of soup and when I saw steam coming out, I wanted to cry"

Take, from Vancouver, received meals at a Salvation Army’s shelter when he needed it most. The former auto-mechanic was living the Canadian dream until he injured his lower back in a ski accident. Take’s finances ran out in December 2014 and eventually he couldn’t pay the hydro bill or rent.

“When I arrived at The Salvation Army’s emergency shelter, I had lost everything … my car, money, job. I had lost all hope. I had no family in Canada and I often thought, ‘What is the point of living?’”Take (left) and Jason, support staff (right) at The Salvation Army's Harbour Light

“I can’t tell you the relief I felt having a bed to lie down on, a roof over my head and heat. My first meal was a bowl of soup and when I saw steam coming out, I wanted to cry,” said Take.

Take says The Salvation Army gave him a second chance in life. He now gives back by volunteering and serving meals at the same shelter, which literally saved his life.

Please support the work of The Salvation Army this Thanksgiving by donating online at www.salvationarmy.ca, by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or by dropping off non-perishable food items at your local food bank.