Sharing the Blessings of Easter

Guest blogger – Chef Ric Watson, Ottawa Mission Manager of Food Services

Easter is almost here, and at our celebration on Monday, April 6 we expect to serve more than 2500 meals to people who have nowhere else to go. Unlike Thanksgiving and Christmas, when many special community dinners are organized, the Easter weekend seems to offer fewer options for those who are hungry. Our hope and our goal is that anyone who is in need is taken care of and provided with a special Easter dinner.

Our kitchen is a busy place every day of the year, but on holidays like Easter there is always something special in the air. Our dining room is being decorated especially for the day, 2300 pounds of roast beef and all the trimmings are being prepared, and the many volunteers who will be serving meals and clearing tables throughout the day are ready to roll.

A lot of hard work goes into our Easter meal, but I know that everyone involved gets so much more back. Just seeing people who have so little enjoying their time with us is truly a gift. For all of our guests this meal is a sign that someone truly cares about them – that they are not forgotten. And their deep gratitude for something that most of us take for granted is heartwarming to experience.

A special thank you to our donors and volunteers for allowing us to bring good food, fellowship and hope to those we will be serving this Easter.

P.S. It’s not too late to help with our Easter dinner. Click here to give a warm meal and the gift of hope.