The Ottawa Mission held it’s annual Christmas meal for those in need on Sunday, providing a record number of hot meals during a cold snap in the nation’s capital. The shelter was completely packed with a lineup of people throughout the day, and as of 5 p.m., the Ottawa Mission served 18,275 meals in total, a new record for their special meal service. The total included the meals through the food truck and the dinner served on Sunday. Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley says the freezing cold temperatures have made it more challenging for the homeless population ahead of the holiday season. “We’re seeing more people come in under our roof for these special holiday meals,” said Tilley. “People we haven’t seen in years, people who have been placed into housing, and people with jobs. It’s just so hard to make ends meet for people that have nowhere else to turn to get a good Christmas dinner.” Thousands of pounds of food were handed out for the meal from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “We did just over 16,000 meals from the food truck throughout the week and today here at the Ottawa Mission we will probably serve just about 2,000 meals,” said Chef Ric Watson, Ottawa Mission’s director of food services. For many at the shelter, the meal is helping them survive during a challenging time. “I would be dead if it didn’t exist, I would be dead,” said John Liuzzo, who is a resident at the shelter. “I’ve been homeless now for 565 days, but the cold brought me in.” Liuzzo says the early freezing temperatures are taking a major toll. “It zaps you and it takes the energy right out of you,” said Liuzzo. “This allowed me to have a home base and the meals are five star.” The Christmas meal is served to a full dining room, where anyone is welcome. “People appreciate it,” said Watson. “They say they can’t afford to put a turkey meal on their table. They just appreciate everything.” Volunteers helped to prepare the meal, which included turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cupcakes.
