Free meal in West Kelowna

Photo: Contributed - File Photo

Christmas is coming early for some less fortunate in West Kelowna.

The Kelowna Gospel Mission and Power's Creek Community Church have partnered to serve a traditional Christmas dinner at the Westbank Lions Hall Saturday.

This is the first time the Mission has partnered with a church on the Westside to provide a free meal.

The Westside Community Food Bank distributed 300 tickets for the evening which will include dinner and live music.

The Gospel Mission will provide and prepare the food while Powers Creek Community Church will provide the space, entertainment and volunteers.

“God placed a strong desire in my heart to help not only people in Kelowna but also people on the Westside who may not be able to make it downtown for our annual Christmas dinner," said executive director Randy Benson.

"This way we extend our reach of helping people who may be lonely, without family or unable to afford a Christmas dinner.”

Powers Creek senior Pastor Dave Barbour, said he is excited about the project and where it could lead in the future.

"It is our hope that this will become an annual event and a long lasting partnership with Kelowna’s Gospel Mission of giving back to the Westside community," said Barbour.

"So many people in our congregation want to help others – this gives them the opportunity to put their faith into action.”