As Thanksgiving approaches, the Salvation Army’s Vancouver Harbour Light is once again preparing to open its doors to serve the community of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, Harbour Light will host its annual Thanksgiving Meal Service, ensuring that more than 600 individuals from one of the city’s most vulnerable areas can experience the warmth and joy of the holiday season. For many, Thanksgiving is a time to gather and celebrate, but for others, it can be just another day. This event seeks to bring people together, share an abundant meal, and remind the community that they are not forgotten.
A Longstanding Tradition of Compassion and Care
For over seven decades, the Salvation Army’s Harbour Light has been a beacon of hope in the Downtown Eastside. Since its founding in the early 1950s, Harbour Light has provided critical support to the city’s most vulnerable, from offering addiction treatment programs to supplying much-needed shelter and meals. This year’s Thanksgiving service will be no different, providing a sit-down, restaurant-style meal that allows guests to enjoy the holiday in a dignified and festive manner.
This year’s Thanksgiving feast will be an impressive spread, including:
- 60 whole turkeys
- 100 kilos of mashed potatoes
- 60 kilos of stuffing
- 50 liters of gravy
- 100 kilos of Brussels sprouts
- 20 kilos of cranberry sauce
- 60-70 pumpkin pies topped with whipped cream
It’s a feast fit for the holiday season, prepared with love and served by dedicated staff and volunteers.
A Continuum of Care for Vancouver’s Most Vulnerable
Harbour Light has been an essential part of the Downtown Eastside since its opening. It was originally inspired by Senior Major David Hammond, who dreamed of creating a center for those living in what was then called “Skid Row,” now known as Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Since 1953, Harbour Light has expanded its services to include a full spectrum of care, ranging from community meals and emergency shelters to withdrawal management (detox), residential addiction treatment, and low-income housing.
One of the key aspects of Harbour Light’s success is its dedicated team, composed of nearly 200 hard-working professionals. Approximately 35% of these employees are alumni of Harbour Light’s programs themselves. Their lived experiences bring a deep understanding and compassion to their roles, allowing them to walk alongside clients on their journeys to recovery and housing.
Thanksgiving 2024
The 2024 Thanksgiving meal at Harbour Light promises to be more than just a meal. With over 50 volunteers contributing their time and energy, the service will be conducted in a way that makes each guest feel special. Guests will enjoy their meal in a sit-down setting, creating an atmosphere of connection and care. The staff and volunteers work hard to ensure the experience is as warm and welcoming as possible, knowing that for many attendees, this may be their only holiday celebration.
For those unable to attend the meal in person, the Salvation Army also works to connect individuals with ongoing services like addiction recovery programs, shelter, and housing support. These programs, coupled with community events like the Thanksgiving meal, create a support network that extends far beyond the holiday.
Harbour Light: A Tradition of Giving Back
The story of Harbour Light’s beginning is one of compassion and action. Inspired by the work of Tom Crocker, the founder of Harbour Light in Detroit, Senior Major David Hammond, along with his wife, began providing food and spiritual support to the transient population of the Downtown Eastside in the early 1950s. The Hammonds initially operated out of a temporary facility at 55A Powell Street, offering soup, coffee, and buns to those in need. This humble beginning evolved into what is now the Harbour Light we know today.
By April 1953, under the leadership of Captain William and Captain Mildred Leslie, the first Harbour Light in Canada officially opened its doors, marking the start of a legacy of care and compassion that continues to this day.
Support the 2024 Thanksgiving Meal
The success of the 2024 Thanksgiving meal wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners. Each year, Harbour Light depends on the kindness of those willing to contribute time, money, and resources to make the event a reality.
There are many ways to get involved:
- Donate: Financial contributions go a long way in supporting the Thanksgiving meal and other essential services offered by Harbour Light.
- Volunteer: Over 50 volunteers will help serve meals, assist with logistics, and create a welcoming atmosphere for the guests.
- Support the Food Recovery Program: Those interested in supporting the Salvation Army’s food recovery program can contact David.Yang@salvationarmy.ca to learn more.
Event Details for 2024 Thanksgiving Meal
For those interested in attending or volunteering, here are the key details for the event:
- Location: Vancouver Harbour Light, 119 E Cordova Street
- Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (doors close at 12:30 PM)
Harbour Light encourages attendees to arrive early to ensure they get a seat, as the event draws a large crowd each year.
Changing Lives One Meal at a Time
While the Thanksgiving meal is a significant event, it’s just one aspect of the broader work that the Salvation Army’s Harbour Light does year-round. Their comprehensive approach to care—ranging from emergency housing and meals to addiction recovery and long-term housing solutions—has made a profound impact on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
For the community, the Thanksgiving meal is more than just a warm plate of food. It symbolizes hope, dignity, and the sense that no one is forgotten, even in times of hardship. Harbour Light’s ability to create a welcoming, supportive space for everyone who walks through its doors is a testament to its mission of compassionate care.
As the 2024 Thanksgiving Meal approaches, the Salvation Army and its team at Harbour Light remain committed to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Whether through a simple meal, addiction recovery support, or providing a safe place to sleep, Harbour Light’s work touches hundreds of lives each year, helping individuals regain their footing and build a better future.
Make a Difference This Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, consider how you can contribute to the Salvation Army’s Harbour Light and its ongoing work in the Downtown Eastside. Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or supporting the food recovery program, every bit of help makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that no one in the community goes without during the holiday season.
For more information, or to get involved, visit the Salvation Army’s website or contact David.Yang@salvationarmy.ca to support the food recovery program.
This Thanksgiving, let’s come together as a community to share a meal, spread kindness, and give hope to those who need it most.
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