The Salvation Army is dishing out Thanksgiving dinners for Metrotown's hungry and homeless.
"We're going to have an emergency disaster truck, so a kitchen on wheels, many volunteers from the community and a full turkey dinner and dessert," said Capt. Paul Trickett.
Every Monday, the Salvation Army hands out soup and sandwiches at two locations in the Metrotown area, and this is the eighth year volunteers have put together a special turkey dinner for Thanksgiving.
Trickett said they usually get 60 to 130 people showing up to eat. Many are new Canadians and the "working poor," he added.
"It's people just trying to get by. Only 10 per cent are actually homeless people," he said.
Trickett has served food in the past and said people usually respond with gratitude, but other needs often arise once the meal is out of the way.
"We help children. We give out sleeping bags that are donated to us to people who are sleeping outside," he said. "Many needs are met. Food is the initial (one)."
For Trickett, it's a rewarding experience, knowing he is helping, especially with children coming week after week for the regular Monday-night soup and sandwiches.
The Thanksgiving dinner will be on Monday, Oct. 10 in two locations: on the corner of Dow Avenue and Beresford Street, from 7 to 7:45 p.m., and at Southside Community Church, 7135 Walker Ave., from 8 to 8:45 p.m.
The Metrotown branch of the Salvation Army needs ongoing volunteers and donations. To get involved, call 604-437-1521.
