Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is getting ready for one of its busiest holidays of the year. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and the mission is hard at work preparing across Nova Scotia, from Yarmouth to Cape Breton and many places in between. “I think we’re going to serve probably 2,000 people across all 14 locations at Souls Harbour,” said CEO Michelle Porter. Aside from serving a hot meal, Souls Harbour hopes to make the holiday a little sweeter, too. “It sounds like it’s so simple. A chocolate bar, a bag of chips and a can of pop, but I’m telling you, it just lights up people’s faces when they can leave after having a good meal and then take home a treat bag,” said Porter. Donations of those treats can be dropped off at any Souls Harbour location in Nova Scotia. For those unable to donate food or money, Porter said there are other ways to help. “Donating your time is just as important as donating $5 for a meal or a turkey for Thanksgiving, and so for October, we have a real push for people coming to help out and volunteer,” she said. “Just give it a try. One time. See if you like it.” Stocking shelves At nearby Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank, staff are ensuring the shelves are stocked ahead of the holiday. “We don’t have any programs geared toward Thanksgiving, but we continue up to Thanksgiving and afterwards with our appointments for registered clients, and a lot of the time, the food we give out is stuff that they can use for Thanksgiving dinner,” said food program manager Josie Young. Parker Street is also accepting donations to help make those meals whole. “Cranberry sauce, gravies, stuffing, things like that could always come in handy when folks are going around and choosing the food they want,” said Young. ‘Food insecurity doesn’t take a holiday’ Thanksgiving can be an expensive holiday – adding pressure to those already struggling. “Food insecurity doesn’t take a holiday,” said Thomas Coldwell, Feed Nova Scotia’s director of philanthropy and engagement. “We know that one in four people are living in food insecure households. One in three children, that’s about 68,000 kids in the province, face the effects of food insecurity each and every day.” While the demand for food banks is always high, Feed Nova Scotia said it increases this time of year. “People are spending dollars to heat their homes. Certainly, the pressures of rent and housing and utilities and transportation,” said Coldwell. “The cost of living pressures are real for people in the province.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
