Good Shepherd’s yearly tradition of hosting a delectable Thanksgiving feast was celebrated again this year, marking the 63rd anniversary of the event. The organization, a prominent provider of social services in Hamilton, offers the dinner free of charge to all community members. Brother Richard MacPhee, the CEO of Good Shepherd, described the meal as a Thanksgiving feast complete with roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.
According to Michael Troskot, the director of The Good Shepherd Centre, they anticipated serving between 400 to 500 individuals, with the number possibly reaching 600. Troskot emphasized the sense of community spirit and celebration that the event fosters, creating a positive atmosphere for all attendees.
Troskot revealed that Good Shepherd had provided a total of 104,000 hot meals in 2023, underscoring the issue of food insecurity affecting many households and leading more people to seek assistance from the Good Shepherd Venture Centre Food Bank. As the demand for food bank services continues to rise, Troskot stressed the crucial need for support from the community to aid nonprofit food programs in their mission.
Acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the Good Shepherd kitchen team, Troskot expressed appreciation for their commitment to preparing meals with care and creativity. Greg McCausland, the chef and kitchen supervisor at Good Shepherd, noted the increasing numbers of individuals benefiting from the community meal, which now includes residents from various shelters operated by Good Shepherd.
McCausland highlighted the extensive planning and preparation involved in organizing the Thanksgiving meal, mentioning the contributions from donors and volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the event. Alongside the hearty meal, attendees were treated to Chudleigh’s apple blossom dessert, bottled drinks, fresh fruit, and sweet treats, enhancing the overall dining experience.
In a post-event update, it was reported that Good Shepherd served a total of 880 turkey dinners this year, with meals distributed to various locations, including churches, shelters, and individuals in need. The successful execution of the Thanksgiving dinner underscored the ongoing commitment of Good Shepherd to support the community during challenging times.
