REGINA — Many people in Regina are spending the holiday season sharing meals with friends and family.
However, for those less fortunate, getting a meal is a means of survival. People in need often come to Carmichael Outreach, which hosted a special New Year's Eve meal on Wednesday.
“We received a large donation of ham, so we’re making ham with a nice rice pilaf, Caesar salad and a frozen vegetable,” said Cheryl Favel, kitchen manager at Carmichael Outreach.
Six hams were donated by Drake Meats, enabling Carmichael Outreach to serve a special holiday meal for an estimated 200 people.
During their normal holiday meals on Christmas Day and Easter, Carmichael Outreach can serve upwards of 300 people.
Favel said that for some people, the food Carmichael Outreach serves is the only meal they receive each day.
“[So], I think every day, people are looking forward to the meals here, because they get a full meal,” she said.
“And so, all of our cooks here in the kitchen, as we come here every day and we try our best to provide the best flavourful meals that we can, and people really appreciate it," Favel added.
Favel, other workers and volunteers spent several days preparing the hams, including defrosting, cooking and adding sides.
In her eyes, Favel said they couldn’t keep up with the demand without their volunteers.
“They help prepare the meals, they help serve the meals, they help portion snacks, they help clean, they do so much in one day.”
Including herself, Favel said, everyone working for Carmichael Outreach had a previous connection to the organization before starting.
Favel said she owes a lot to the organization and now wants to provide support to the community.
While coming into a space for a meal can seem intimidating, Favel said the environment at their space is welcoming.
“Everyone is accepting. They come in, and they [can] hop in line with everybody else.”
