Kelowna’s Gospel Mission hosted a Thanksgiving lunch for shelter residents on Saturday, while its outreach team delivered meals to unsheltered people throughout the community.
At the Gospel Mission kitchen, Chef Brent Durec, the kitchen team, and volunteers prepared and served food to residents at both the Leon Avenue and Bay Avenue shelters. In a press release, the Gospel Mission said the purpose of the special lunch was, “…creating a warm and welcoming Thanksgiving experience for shelter residents and neighbours living unsheltered.”
The non-profit also said the Thanksgiving meal was made possible through donations from community partners, including KLO Market, Central Okanagan Food Bank, Lake Country Food Bank, and Helen’s Acres.
“We’re grateful for the community support that allows us to make this kind of work happen, not just with the meals. It’s obviously a blessing to be able to serve such an awesome meal and a Thanksgiving meal for our residents,” said Spencer Larson, Senior Manager of Resource Development. “Just the year-round support that our community provides to us is amazing. And the goods that are donated through farmers and businesses here in town is awesome. And so, it just goes without saying that it can’t happen without those who are supporting this work. And so those who believe in this work is why it happens. And I’m just so grateful for that year after year.”
Larsen added that the team at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission works year-round to secure funding and partner with donors to support its shelter services.
Levi Simpson, Interim Executive Director, said that while the Gospel Mission has been in this work for over 45 years, they have never done it alone.
“We are so thankful for the people of this city who share our vision of a community of people being made whole. We’re so grateful to be able to support those men and women who find themselves in a difficult spot or those who are looking to change their circumstance. The fact that so many from our community join us in this effort every year is a gift and is worth being thankful for.”
Throughout the year, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission provides shelter, meals, outreach, and support to people experiencing homelessness and other challenges.
