Thanksgiving is a time to share with family and friends and, of course, for many people, to enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
That long-standing tradition continues this year at the Penticton Soupateria on Monday for some of the community’s less fortunate.
“Our normal lunches are cafeteria-style where people come along with trays and pick up what they want but with the sit-down dinners it’s served at the table,” said Keray Levant, president of the Penticton Community Soupateria Society.
“It’s probably one of the best meals a lot of these people will get during the year and it may be the only filling meal they get at all that day and it is open to everybody.”
The Soupateria began in a church basement in 1986, later moving into its current location at 150 Orchard Avenue.
Thanksgiving dinner begins at 11:30 a.m.
One hundred per cent volunteer operated, the facility dishes up as many as 160 lunches daily, and is open 365 days a year.
“We’ve been trending higher (in the number of meals served) for the last five years maybe due to the recession but we’re able to keep up thanks to the many donations we get from the community,” said Levant.
“This is a very important service that is provided for our clients and it’s something I believe they appreciate very much and we always treat them with respect.”
People wishing to volunteer are always welcome and there is currently a need for someone able to do light maintenance work and cleaning
For more information, email Levant at kblevant@shaw.ca or call 250- 497- 8706. for outline of duties.