Easter is about giving

Some Hamiltonians are spending their Easter weekend serving those in need.

For many, Easter celebrations revolve around a big meal and family, but for those who do not have either, the holiday can be difficult.

Bringing those in need food is a humbling experience.

Volunteers with the Hamilton Basket Brigade Charity, brought boxes of food to the homes of 350 families in Hamilton this morning.

The boxes came filled with a turkey and all the trimmings.

Veggies, stuffing, potatoes, apple pie, chocolates just to name a few things inside.

The Hamilton Basket Brigade Charity estimates that each box has $80 worth of groceries. that a total of $27,000 to feed 350 families.

Hundreds of people filled into the Good Shepherd this afternoon for a special Easter dinner.

On the menu, scallop potatoes, ham, corn and dessert. Volunteers prepared food for 400 people, many of whom have limited incomes.

Alan Whittle with the Good Shepherd says people come down here for more than just the food.

“Poverty impoverishes the spirit as well. So this is an opportunity for people to get out of their homes and be with other people” says Whittle.

The volunteers make new friends, and see familiar faces as well.

Representatives at the Good Shepherd say 400 guests for dinner is a low number, but they were expecting less this year because Easter falls late in the month, when many people receive their government cheques. They would normally see about 600 people for Easter or Thanksgiving and over 2,000 for Christmas.