THUNDER BAY — It’s heating up in the kitchen as firefighters with the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association chop, peel and cook in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday at the Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre.
“As firefighters, first responders, we’re on the streets. We see the need; we see the homelessness,” said Kevin Anderson, public relations coordinator with the firefighters association.
“And this is a place where they can come and get a meal because they probably wouldn't have another option of getting a good Thanksgiving meal.”
The sit-down dinner takes place from noon to 2 p.m. on Oct. 13., and a shuttle bus is provided from City Hall and the Water St. terminal for anyone who needs a ride.
The Thanksgiving dinner is open to all, whether they need a meal or just want some company during for the holiday.
“People are lonely at this time of year,” said Anderson. “It's sometimes not a happy time but a sad time. People can come and have some friendship and a warm meal in their belly and just send them on their way a little happier.”
The partnership between the firefighters and the Salvation Army is in its 27th year.
Local Salvation Army executive director, Gary Ferguson, said they anticipate serving between 275 and 300 people, but they’re prepared for more.
“You know, holidays can be a great time," said Ferguson. “But a lot of people just don't have the economic resources or the food. We're really happy to be part of the many organizations that are helping out at this time of year.”
The firefighters donate all the funds for the food. This year, that means 22 turkeys, about 50 pies, 250 pounds of potatoes, "pounds and pounds of stuffing." Ferguson says some of the herbs for the stuffing were grown on-site in the Journey to Life Centre’s garden.
Anderson said there are a dozen firefighters helping out with the cooking and 15 to 20 coming out to serve the meal on Sunday. Some bring their families to help out.
“The kids, you know, it's important for them to see that not everybody has a family where they can go for Thanksgiving, to see the need that we have in the community,” said Anderson. “It just teaches them to give back when you can.”
