Ottawa Mission Serves 17,789 Christmas Meals – A New Record

Ottawa, ON – During The Ottawa Mission’s annual Christmas meal, which was held on December 15, as well as the week prior to this date through the shelter’s food truck program, The Mission served 17,789 meals – a new record for a special meal service.

“It took 7000 lbs. of turkey, 3500 lbs. of peeled potatoes, 2000 lbs. of vegetables, 150 gallons of gravy, and 900 vegetarian quiches to ensure that those who turn to us for help this Christmas did not go hungry,” said Chef Ric Allen-Watson, Director of Food Services for the Mission.

Ottawa Public Health recently reported that the rate of food security has risen from one in seven to one in four households. “In my 22 years at The Ottawa Mission, I’ve never seen hunger this bad.” Allen-Watson added.

Prior to the pandemic, The Mission served 495,360 meals annually. This past fiscal year, it served an astounding 1,132,470 meals, a 235% increase. “Our shelter continues to face unprecedented need in the wake of very serious challenges in a post-pandemic environment, the most shocking of which is the skyrocketing rate of hunger,” stated Peter Tilley, Ottawa Mission CEO.

In addition to this special meal, the occasion also provided a sense of warmth and community to those in need who would otherwise be alone.

“While we’re pleased to be providing this special meal for both shelter guests and community clients, we remain very concerned about the shocking increase in hunger across our community. We look forward to working with all levels of government in 2025 to address those conditions which caused so many people in need to turn to our shelter for help, including poverty and growing income insecurity, a continuing lack of affordable and supportive housing, and other factors.” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley concluded.

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2023-2024, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,103 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com