'A sense of holiday spirit': Local shelter hosts Regina's most vulnerable at annual Christmas dinner

For nearly 35 years, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has been serving an annual Christmas dinner to Regina’s most vulnerable.

“It creates a sense of love, warmth and holiday spirit for everybody,” said the mission’s director of finance and development Kathy Ingram. “Especially for those in need this time of year.”

Each year, Souls Harbour volunteers prepare to feed between 400 and 600 people at their annual Community Christmas Meal.

Every individual who walked through the door got a warm traditional Christmas dinner with a plate full of turkey, stuffing and potatoes with a layer of gravy on top.

All capped off with a slice of pumpkin pie and a hot coffee.

Community members also wrote hand-written cards set at each seat.

“Our only requirement is come hungry,” Ingram said. “But we're serving seniors, men, women and little kids. We're just here to help.”

All the food served was supplied through donations from the community.

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This year, the several volunteers prepared 45 turkeys, hundreds of pounds of potatoes and vegetables, 35 litres of gravy and dozens of pies.

“[They] bring us [the food] and of course, monetary donations,” Ingram said. “We can’t do this without the support of the community.”

Increasing need

This December’s Christmas meal comes the same week Regina learned more than 800 people are experiencing homelessness in the city.

Souls Harbour says they’ve been dealing with the fallout as demand for a warm meal each night is at an all-time high.

“Last year we were feeding on average 150 to 200 people,” Ingram explained. “Now it’s 300 to 350 people. One night we fed 392.”

But this holiday season, they continue to serve, ensuring everyone has a bright spot over Christmas.

“Come as you are and be yourself,” Ingram said. “We'll give you a warm meal. Everybody gets a smile. And today, we're handing out little presents to everybody as well.”