OSHaRe is ready to welcome clients to lunch on Christmas, as they team up with other community organizations throughout the holidays.
As the cost of food climbed through the year, and inflation took a toll on just about everyone, OSHaRE was able to meet the demands their organization faced from more community members relying on their service.
OSHaRE Executive Director Colleen Trask-Seaman says that “With food costs going up, that was definitely a challenge that we faced, and also just making sure that we always had enough food on-hand for the number of people coming through the door.”
Although 2022 was a challenge for most local organizations, Trask-Seaman says that they had the community to thank for their success in 2022. “[The] community stepped up to help us throughout the year as we saw an increase in meals and in the number of people needing our services, and so we’re definitely thankful that we’ve been able to meet the need all year.”
Through the year, reliance on organizations such as food banks and meal kitchens had dramatically increased in communities all across Canada.
“Our community is incredible. Every time there has any sort of need, our community has stepped up to make sure their neighbours are well cared for,” she adds with a chuckle.
In 2023, Trask-Seaman is hoping to go back to offering indoor dining, because she says “We realize the value of having in having our guests together for conversation and community, and also we’re hoping to open up to be able to expand our volunteer base as well.”
The organization is now turning its attention to the Christmas holiday.
On December 23rd, they’re hosting a roast beef dinner, sponsored by the Retired Teachers’ Federation.
On Saturday, December 24th, they’re hosting a Christmas Eve lunch, which was sponsored by The European Bakery.
Normally, OSHaRE isn’t open on Sundays, but they will be on Christmas Day, offering a Christmas lunch between 12-1:30 pm.
The lunch is provided in partnership with the Salvation Army, where they will be serving a full turkey dinner which is also sponsored by the Retired Teachers’ Federation.
Any member of the community who is in need of a meal over the holidays simply needs to show up during operating hours and ask for something to eat, without the need to pre-register.
Anyone who is looking to volunteer can get in touch through oshare.ca
