With a supply of food that includes 450 kilograms of turkey, 360 pounds of potatoes, 130 litres of gravy and 175 apple pies, lunch at Our Place will feed a big crowd today.
More than 1,000 people are expected to drop by the Pandora Avenue facility during the day, many of them during the peak of the midday feast from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., said Don Evans, executive director of the grassroots social agency.
It was one of two free Easter meals provided in Victoria on Wednesday.
Our Place tends to focus on adults, but Evans stressed families are welcome for the Easter meal.
Dozens of volunteers, including up to 30 local politicians from both the municipal and provincial scenes, will be on hand to serve diners. Servers include Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen, Victoria Coun. Chris Coleman, NDP leader Adrian Dix and Liberal Ida Chong, minister of aboriginal relations and reconciliation. Retired florist Norma Fitzsimmons is providing flowers for the occasion, something she does on a regular basis at Our Place.
Coleman said that volunteering at such events provides a chance to see what Our Place is all about.
“It reminds us that no matter how contentious issues are, at the end of the day, it’s always about people,” Coleman said. “It’s that human face that we put on the issues that’s critically important, I think.”
Evans said Easter is a good opportunity to bring people together.
“It’s a great time to celebrate new life, new beginnings. The people who come here are often estranged from their families, so we’re often the only family they have.”
The Our Place event follows a similar meal served Wednesday by the Salvation Army at its downtown Addictions and Recovery Centre. About 120 guests enjoyed a ham feast, courtesy of a donation made by Hertel Meats. Potatoes for the repast came from Wilson Foods.
The turnout was a little lower than expected, possibly because of the day’s spring weather, but the Easter gathering is highly anticipated every year, said Salvation Army spokeswoman Kyla Ferns.
“It’s a nice way to bring the community together around holidays,” she said. “That’s typically the time that people feel lonelier.”
The Salvation Army follows up its community meal with a family Easter party today. This is the second year for the party, which is being held in the CDI College gym at 950 Kings Rd.
The event runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and includes children’s games and a barbecue. Children will receive Easter gift baskets filled with toys and goodies supplied by Discovery Toys.
There is no cost, but anyone who would like to participate is asked to pre-register at 250-386-8521.
