Edmonton Community Christmas Dinner Serves Hundreds

The Christmas season is upon us and The Salvation Army Addictions and Residential Centre (ARC) in Edmonton held their annual community Christmas dinner on Tuesday, hosting over 400 guests for a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Guests included many young families, those dealing with homelessness, and seniors, like 76 year-old Gladys. Gladys often attends the senior’s programs offered at The Salvation Army’s Community & Family Services, but this was her first time attending the Christmas dinner, “…I truly appreciate this delicious Christmas dinner; it’s a lovely way for me to get into the Christmas spirit.”

This year, 35 volunteers from Grace Manor and the Sturgeon Hospital helped serve dinner, and the ARC’s food services team cooked 72 turkeys to feed all the guests – which may be the only Christmas dinner some will have this year.

One dedicated volunteer, Gloria, has helped out for the past two years because she has seen the difference The Salvation Army is making and the impact it has in Edmonton. “They are both organized and efficient in helping those who are less fortunate. It’s wonderful to be a part of this dinner,” says Gloria. We are very grateful to all our dedicated volunteers, as we would not have been able to pull off such a large feast without them!

Since 1954, the ARC provides support for approximately 280 men and women each day.  Vulnerable Edmontonians that struggle with addictions or mental health issues, often with no place to live, come here because it offers them safety, many levels of support, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.