In the heart of downtown Winnipeg, amidst the crisp autumn air and falling leaves, hundreds of the city’s most vulnerable residents found warmth, community, and nourishment this weekend. Union Gospel Mission’s annual Thanksgiving celebration transformed their Princess Street location into a beacon of holiday spirit as volunteers served over 1,200 traditional turkey dinners with all the trimmings to those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
“This isn’t just about the meal—it’s about dignity,” said Martin Chidwick, Executive Director of Union Gospel Mission Winnipeg. “Many of our guests won’t have another opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving. Here, they’re treated with respect and care, as valued members of our community.”
The sprawling dining hall, decorated with fall-themed centerpieces created by local school children, buzzed with conversation and occasional laughter as guests enjoyed plates heaped with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. The meal represents months of planning and coordination, with food donations pouring in from local businesses, community organizations, and individual Winnipeggers.
Behind the scenes, a small army of 85 volunteers worked in synchronized precision, from the kitchen crew who began preparations at dawn to the servers who ensured every guest received a hot, generous portion. Many volunteers, like Sandra Olsen, have made this event part of their own family tradition.
“I’ve brought my children here every Thanksgiving for the past eight years,” Olsen shared while ladling gravy. “It’s important they understand that community means everyone, not just people in our immediate circle. This has become as meaningful to us as our own family dinner.”
For those visiting Union Gospel Mission, the event offered more than just food. Medical professionals provided basic health checks, while social workers connected guests with housing resources and addiction services. A dedicated area offered free winter clothing, including coats, gloves, and boots—essential items as Manitoba’s notoriously harsh winter approaches.
The economic challenges facing many Canadians have made this year’s event particularly significant. Recent reports indicate food bank usage across Manitoba has increased by 32% since last year, with similar trends observed nationwide as inflation and housing costs continue to strain household budgets.
“We’re seeing more working families among our guests this year,” noted Chidwick. “People who never imagined they’d need this kind of support are finding themselves making impossible choices between rent and groceries.”
City Councillor Janice Morgan, who served desserts for several hours, emphasized the ongoing need for community-based solutions to address root causes of poverty. “What Union Gospel Mission accomplishes is remarkable, but we need sustainable policies that prevent people from falling into crisis in the first place.”
As the event wound down, volunteers packed takeaway containers for guests to bring additional food to those unable to attend. The leftover turkeys and side dishes—enough to feed several hundred more—were distributed to smaller community organizations throughout the city, ensuring nothing went to waste.
For Marcus Henderson, who has experienced homelessness for three years, the day represented a rare opportunity to feel connected. “Sometimes people look right through you on the street,” he said, his voice quiet but steady. “Today, someone looked me in the eye, called me ‘sir,’ and asked how my day was going. That meant almost as much as the meal.”
As Winnipeg’s temperatures drop and economic pressures continue to mount for many families, organizations like Union Gospel Mission face increasing demands with limited resources. Yet for one afternoon, their Thanksgiving celebration created a space where everyone belonged, regardless of circumstance.
As we reflect on abundance during this holiday season, perhaps the most important question isn’t simply how to address immediate needs, but rather: How can we transform these moments of connection and dignity from annual events into everyday realities for all members of our community?
