The Salvation Army and OSHaRE in Owen Sound are teaming up this year to provide a full Christmas Day dinner.
The Salvation Army’s Alice Wannan says, “We have supported each other for the last 284 days since the pandemic was declared. The people in our community are comfortable with the routine of picking up food at the OSHaRE location, and with new lockdown measures being implemented – we are simply bringing our Emergency Services vehicle there, and we will serve together. That’s what community does – they support each other”
Wannan says the Christmas day dinner includes turkey, potatoes, vegetables, dressing, gravy, and a fresh bun as well as a drink and dessert.
Dinners will be served from The Salvation Army Emergency Services vehicle, by OSHaRE and Salvation Army staff.
Meanwhile, OSHaRE will continue to provide its guests with its usual OSHaRE Christmas dinner on Wednesday December 23rd from 4:30p.m.to 6:00p.m.
The collaborative Christmas Day dinner will be served at the same 946 3rd Ave East location from 11:30a.m. -1:00 p.m. on December 25th. It will be a take out service.
A release from the Salvation Army says, “Christmas day dinner has always been an event for all in our community, but this year more than ever with restrictions in place, we want everyone to know they are welcome to stop by and simply pick up a hot meal to take back home. The hungry, the lonely, those who may not any family supports to spend the day with, and most especially our front line workers who are not able to spend the day with their families- our Emergency Responders for the City. We invite them all to drive by and pick up a take out meal to go and enjoy.”
Prior to lunch at the OSHaRE location – the Emergency Services vehicle will make a stop at the high rise building located beside The Salvation Army and drop off hot turkey dinners for those folks who we know are unable to walk down town for dinner – the seniors that we have been trying to support since the pandemic hit. OSHaRE volunteers – who would normally have Christmas day off – immediately stepped up and offered their services in a different way – to safely deliver meals to those who are living in motels and are unable to attend the take out meal.
No registration is necessary for the Christmas Day meal.
Wannan reminds guests to “Wear a mask, be mindful of social distancing, and be kind to those attending with you – together we will all share in the joy of a wonderful Christmas day meal – together — but safely apart”