A hot lunch on a cold day

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

A Penticton centre serving struggling families and individuals held its first Christmas lunch on Tuesday.

Staff at Ooknakane Friendship Centre invited men, women and children to a turkey feast with all the fixings.

"It's a way for people who might not get to recognize Christmas to be in a warm place and celebrate together," said Shauntelle Flooren, youth program coordinator.

The non-profit on Ellis Street offers a multitude of services to families, youth and individuals on an ongoing basis.

Seeing the marginalized population in the city starting to swell, they also recently started offering a drop in program, Monday to Friday mornings, where a mental health and drug and alcohol worker does outreach.

They also began providing a simple breakfast based on donations from the community four weeks ago.

"There is a huge need and as we get into the colder season, it's a way of taking care of people," said executive director Matthew Baran. "We feel we have a responsibility to look out for each other."

As well as being treated to food, staff put together gift bags for participants filled with socks, toothbrushes, hygiene products, coffee and tea.

"We will be closed from Dec. 17 to Jan. 3, so this is to help them through that time," said Flooren.

Britney Sundberg was there with a friend and their two children and said having something like this means a lot to her.

"I've been going to the friendship centre for two years and they have supported me with family issues and my own personal issues.”

"And this is nice. Everyone can get together with an unbiased opinion and enjoy a hot meal on a cold afternoon. It's great to see everyone happy and enjoying themselves."