With fork in hand, Jeffrey Richardson dove into a pile of mashed potatoes.
Turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing filled his plate. People experiencing homelessness and life near the poverty line filled the seats around him in a packed Union Gospel Mission.
“These are my new family members,” Richardson laughed.
GABRIELLE PICHé / FREE PRESS
Union Gospel Mission held two rounds of Thanksgiving lunch, serving more than 200 people.
He doesn’t have blood-related kin in town. But he could join his seatmate, Michael Kunz, for another Thanksgiving meal later on.
Siloam Mission held theirs Friday; the Salvation Army and Agape Table run similar events.
Union Gospel Mission aimed to space its Thanksgiving meal from other charities so attendees could hit several sites. The mission, like organizations of its kind, has clocked an ever-growing need.
“I was pretty impressed with our kitchen today,” said Ed Buller, manager of Union Gospel Mission’s Princess Street location.
They prepared for 200 people Saturday with the expectation they would over deliver. Instead, 221 plates circulated.
Extra turkey in the back — originally saved for program attendees next week — and stovetop stuffing were quickly heated and served to people waiting.
Buller likened the ongoing need to a staircase, something that just keeps rising. Inflation, higher interest rates and trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic are all contributors, Buller said.
“I… see fathers come to the door who are embarrassed to ask for a loaf of bread for their family because they used to be able to afford the loaf,” Buller said.
GABRIELLE PICHé / FREE PRESS
Jeffrey Richardson dines at Union Gospel Mission’s Thanksgiving lunch Saturday.
Now, often, it’s a choice between paying rent and buying that loaf, he continued.
Last year, Union Gospel Mission served Thanksgiving lunch to 160 people; this weekend marked a 61-person jump.
The charity provides lunch and dinner daily — anywhere from 60 to 100 patrons may arrive — and coffee at 2 p.m.
“The people that we serve are some of the classiest people you will ever meet,” Buller stated. “They’re beautiful people.”
Eugene Guiboche took a seat at Union Gospel Mission for its Thanksgiving lunch. He considered it “more or less” a feast; he’s homeless and plans to attend several Thanksgiving offerings at various shelters.
“I like the environment,” Guiboche said of Union Gospel Mission, steps away from its volunteers. “The people are good.”
Finding volunteers outside the holidays is a struggle, Buller noted. The Princess Street site is constantly seeking help and, as the seasons change, winter mitts, boots and jackets.
GABRIELLE PICHé / FREE PRESS
Ed Buller, manager of Union Gospel Mission’s Princess Street location, stands in the dining room post-Thanksgiving meals.
Southern Manitoba farmers often donate food to the non-profit. Winnipeg is a giving city, Buller said, adding it would be helpful if more residents gave their time.
Earlier this year, food banks reported increased usage. Harvest Manitoba served 21,575 households in January, a jump of more than 3,000 from the year prior.
Guiboche and fellow diners expressed gratitude for their meals.
gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com
Gabrielle Piché
Reporter
Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle.
Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.