Sharing the Blessings of Easter

Guest blogger – Chef Ric Watson, Head Chef, The Ottawa Mission

Easter is almost here, and at our celebration on Monday, April 21 we expect to serve more than 2700 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 and homeless. Our hope is that anyone who is homeless, hungry or alone 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 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 smiling and enjoying their time with us is truly a gift. For each of them, this meal is a sign that someone cares about them – that they are not forgotten – and their deep gratitude 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.