As a young man, Arnold August found both solace and shelter when he needed it most at Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 Gospel Mission.

Some four decades later and long since living an independent, self-sufficient life, August continues to give back.

One of close to 1,000 people who attended the Gospel Mission香蕉视频直播檚 the annual Thanksgiving Dinner Monday, the Kelowna man lends an understanding and sympathetic ear both to those with addictions and others who simply struggle to make ends meet.

香蕉视频直播淚 come down here and try to talk to the brothers, try to help them stay inspired, because we香蕉视频直播檙e having a lot of people passing away nowadays,香蕉视频直播� August said. 香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 just so thankful for the administration that take the time to care for our brothers and sisters and put this event on.

香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 retired, I like to volunteer and use as many avenues as I can to help the homeless and those with addictions.香蕉视频直播�

The number of people who show for the Thanksgiving Dinner grows with each passing year.

Kitchen manager Mandy Phillips expected between 800 and 1,000 meals would be served by the end of the day Monday.

Phillips said record-low vacancy rates in the city are among the many reasons the numbers continue to climb.

香蕉视频直播淩ent is very expensive in Kelowna,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淭here香蕉视频直播檚 a lot of people who come to eat a meal even though they are housed, but by coming here we just bridge that gap for them.

香蕉视频直播淭here are also lot of people here who stay at the shelter, a lot people who are on the streets, and there are also a lot of working poor here in Kelowna,香蕉视频直播� added Phillips. 香蕉视频直播淪ome are also seniors and they香蕉视频直播檙e lonely, so it香蕉视频直播檚 time to come in and enjoy a meal with a group of people they can get to know.香蕉视频直播�

Among the more than 50 volunteers helping to serve Thanksgiving Meals were MP Stephen Fuhr, MLAs Steve Thomson and Norm Letnick, and Kelowna councillor Ryan Donn.

whenderson@kelownacapnews.com
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