Souls Harbour serves up warmth and Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds in Halifax

Hundreds of people filed into Souls Harbour Rescue Mission on Monday for the charity’s 14th annual Thanksgiving dinner. (Hafsa Arif/CTV News0

Hundreds of people filed into Souls Harbour Rescue Mission on Monday for the charity’s 14th annual Thanksgiving dinner.

The free sit-down meal with takeaway portions available, is aimed at people struggling to make ends meet, and for those who come for the “family” atmosphere the mission fosters.

Organizers said they had prepared several hundred dinners and that volunteers and staff worked through the weekend to cook and serve.

“Today is the 14th annual Souls Harbour Thanksgiving dinner here in Halifax and this is where it all started. We have 14 volunteers today and Roberto has been cooking turkeys all week long for this,” said Michelle Porter, CEO of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.

Porter said rising grocery prices and the economic pressures since the pandemic have increased the demand for meals.

“I think we’ve seen over the years since pandemic times how groceries have been rising in their cost as well as just how people are really finding it harder to make ends meet,” she said. “One of the things that we’ve noticed here at Souls Harbour is the increase in people who aren’t only unhoused, but they’re low income. So, we’re able to help them stretch their dollar a little farther by offering meals like this.”

Organizers had estimated serving between 200 and 300 people, and said they were prepared to feed more if needed.

“It’s kind of like feeding the 5000 here. Somehow, we just never run out of food so we are ready whether that number is 200 or 400 everyone will have something to eat today,” Porter said.

Porter also highlighted the rising cost of providing meals.

“The cost of the meal that we advertise is $4.58, but in the Halifax location particularly that cost is actually six dollars a meal and that has risen a lot. I mean it used to be two dollars and some cents so what that means is a much larger budget for our groceries but also just doing things like food drives and making sure people know you could drop off a turkey.”

Guests at the dinner described the event as more than a hot meal, it’s a chance to be with others and to feel supported.

“People should be together. For me it’s to meet with people, make new friends, acquaintances and talk to people we haven’t talked to,” one attendee said.

Another guest praised the mission’s consistency.

“I think it was really beautiful. They did a great job, [I feel] very fortunate. We come to a place like this and have a hot meal and just get to meet your friends and see people you haven’t seen for awhile.”

“I’ve been coming here for three years now, and the food is phenomenal. You wouldn’t get a restaurant better,” another diner said.

Porter said keeping guests safe and filled with joy are her priorities.

“My biggest thing today was to keep everyone safe, but also that they would be filled with joy today. It’s been touch and go for Souls Harbour and I’m just so grateful that the community came through and we’re able to serve our 14th Thanksgiving dinner today,” she said. “I think it’s a catch 22 when new people come. It makes us happy we get to help them, and we get to meet new people, but also in your heart you know that there’s a reason they’re here and it’s because they’re struggling.”

Souls Harbour has long provided meals, clothing and other supports. Organizers said community donations and volunteers remain essential as the charity plans more outreach through the winter months.

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