Union Gospel Mission serves Christmas meals to thousands across Lower Mainland
Posted December 7, 2023 5:55 pm.
The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is planning to feed Christmas meals to 3,000 people across its various Lower Mainland locations this weekend.
UGM spokesperson Nicole Mucci says the need for these meals is especially high this year due to rising food insecurity.
“We know the need has really increased over the past year with inflation,” Mucci said.
This year UGM is preparing 2,000 pounds of turkey, more than 200 litres of gravy, more than 100 pies, and thousands of pounds of stuffing.
She adds the mission normally serves 800 meals on an average day. This year, their Christmas meal will be the biggest yet, with plans to serve 500 more meals than last year.
Mucci says this will take two weeks of preparation by more than 200 volunteers and 100 staff.
“It’s a massive operation, but it’s something we love to do because we know how meaningful it is to our community, people look forward to it every year.”
She says they’re expecting a full house with “tons of folks coming in to listen to Christmas music, have turkey, and all the stuffing.”
Mucci hopes the Christmas meals will provide a sense of community, especially in “the Downtown Eastside where people are often feeling isolated or far away from their families.”
She says anyone looking to give back can also head to their website and see what items people are most in need of this time of year.
“We see more families coming to us looking for help, as well as just more folks struggling,” she said.
The dinner is set to take place on Saturday at multiple locations. Their East Hastings centre will be offering meals between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
