Like everything else this year, the annual Salvation Army Christmas Day dinner in Owen Sound is going to be a bit different.
Alice Wannan with the Salvation Army says there won’t be a traditional gathering because of Covid restrictions, but instead Turkey dinners will be served from an emergency services vehicle in partnership with OSHaRE.
The full fixings of a Christmas dinner – turkey, potatoes, vegetables, gravy, buns, drinks and dessert – will be served 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 25 for people to takeaway and enjoy at home. Wannan says the Salvation Army’s Emergency Services vehicle from Brampton will be parked at 946 3rd Avenue East – OSHaRE’s location in downtown Owen Sound.
“Our dinner has always been for people not that are just hungry, but those that may be lonely, those that may be grieving,” Wannan explains. “This year it’s for all of those same folks. And this year we’re including our emergency responders who are working that day and aren’t going to be at home with their families.”
Wannan notes many turkeys, potatoes and vegetables have been donated from people in the community to help support the effort.
She says last Christmas around 180 people were served meals. This year, they’re preparing for up to 350.
“For anybody who may not be able to have family join them that day or who might be alone, whatever the reason, we don’t want you to spend Christmas Day by yourself,” Wannan adds. “Come on down and see us and we’ll have a hot Christmas day meal ready for you to takeaway.”