Good Shepherd Hamilton staff say Thanksgiving meals mean more than free food to many

Every Thanksgiving Monday the Good Shepherd in Hamilton holds a free turkey dinner, but the day is much more about dishing out hot food.

“I think it’s not even just the meal, I think it’s just knowing that somebody cares. Somebody is there to meet their needs as well,” said Jody Dionne.

Serving up a traditional Thanksgiving meal with the help from eight staff and just as many volunteers, Dionne is not only volunteering for the first time, but says she’s also needed help in the past and now it’s time to give back.

“I’ve needed help, I’ve gone to food banks, and there is no shame in that. There’s no shame in it. I had to learn that there’s no shame in that kind of thing because if you need help, you need help,” added Dionne.

Every year at this time Good Shepherd Hamilton opens its doors and hands out warm meals at their Mary Street men’s shelter for Thanksgiving.

The chef says they plan to give out just under 1,000 meals.

“We’re doing a hot turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, stuffing, buttered vegetables and a nice slice of pumpkin pie for dessert,” said Greg McCausland.

But he says it’s more than just food.

“Food is very important, I think that food connects us to happier times, and also memories — whether they be familial or otherwise, and Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect and be thankful,” said McCausland.

People lined up early, and it stretched around the building.

Ron Delaney is on a pension and retired from the restaurant industry. He says meal programs like the one the Good Shepherd offers is a lifeline.

“Can you make ends meet?” CHCH News asked.

“Very, very difficult. I would like to get another part-time job if I could, but being my age and all, it’s pretty difficult,” said Delaney.

“I think it’s amazing what they do, they put a lot of effort into doing what they do and they open their doors to everybody. I’ve been doing this for years,” added Delaney.

The meals were handed out Monday afternoon between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The Good Shepherd says they rely on community donations and volunteers.

For more information or to donate, visit https://goodshepherdcentres.ca.