The Ottawa Mission prepares for another record-breaking Thanksgiving dinner

The Ottawa Mission is preparing to serve thousands of people in Ottawa on Monday, in a year marred by financial challenges. CTV’s Natalie Van Rooy reports.

Thanksgiving weekend can be a difficult time of year for some who can’t afford to put dinner on the table.

The Ottawa Mission is preparing for another record-breaking Thanksgiving feast, expecting to serve up to 18,000 meals during the week, including the annual Thanksgiving dinner on Monday.

It’s been tough to get ready because of the ongoing Canada Post strike, which had a major impact on donations. On top of that, the Mission says it’s short about 50 turkeys.

On Sunday, staff were busy making 700 turkeys for the anticipated record crowds.

“We debone them, we boil them down, and then we keep the stock from boiling. We roast the turkey, and then we slice it to eat,” said Omar Kwitonda, an employee at the Ottawa Mission.

Chef Ric Watson says they will serve thousands of people at the dinner.

“We plan on serving, probably close to over 17,000, maybe close to 18,000 turkey dinners,” said Watson, the Ottawa Mission’s director of food services. “We’ve already served from our food truck because we started last week, and we’ve already served 15,000 Thanksgiving meals from the trucks.”

The menu includes a traditional turkey meal with all the fixings. That means stuffing, vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy, and dessert.

The staff start preparing for the Thanksgiving dinner in August and food prep starts weeks in advance.

“It takes hours and hours,” said Watson. “Tomorrow we’ll have over 100 volunteers throughout the day coming in to help out. We’ll start at 4 a.m. and we’ll go right through until 5 p.m., but our doors are open at 11 a.m.”

This year also brings a unique challenge, as the Canada Post strike had a devastating impact on donations.

“It’s been a huge impact because a lot of our donors use mail to do their donations and right now this is one of our biggest campaigns that we have all year long,” said Watson.

The shelter didn’t get enough turkeys for the big day but is still ready to help those in need.

“I’ve been at the Ottawa Mission for 24 years and it’s unbelievable the change in clientele,” said Watson. “It used to just be homeless people or people at risk of being homeless, but now we see students and we see the working poor. “

Watson says if anyone is looking to help the shelter, the best way to do so is through monetary donations.