Ottawa, ON – During the Ottawa Mission’s special Easter meal service, which was held on April 5 for shelter guests in our dining room and community members through our garage entrance, as well as the week prior through our Mobile Mission Meals food truck program, the shelter served 4,653 meals to those in need.
Shelter guests and community members enjoyed a full roast beef dinner on April 5, while Mobile Mission Meals clients took home a delicious turkey dinner. In addition to warm and nutritious food, the special holiday meal provides a sense of community to those who may find themselves alone.
In 2019 – 2020, the shelter served more than 520,000 meals. Due to the impact of Covid19, the Mission estimates that it will serve 700,000 – 800,000 meals in 2020 – 2021.
“Ottawa was already in a homelessness emergency and an opioid-use epidemic when Covid19 came upon us. Given the overwhelming impact on our collective mental health, finances, food insecurity, and risk of homelessness, we anticipate remaining the first place of refuge for even more vulnerable people after Covid19 has passed,” noted Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley.
“Our dedicated volunteers and also our exceptional kitchen staff worked very hard to ensure that everyone had a delicious Easter. And special thanks to our donors and supporters who have been profoundly generous in their continuing support of the Mission in these continuing difficult times. A huge thank you to all,” 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 2019-2020, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 197 men every night and served an average of 1,422 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
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C 613.712.3092