Good Shepherd’s long-standing tradition of hosting a delectable Thanksgiving feast continued on Monday, marking its 63rd anniversary. The community event, organized by Good Shepherd, a prominent provider of social services in Hamilton, offers a complimentary Thanksgiving meal to all attendees.
Brother Richard MacPhee, the CEO of Good Shepherd, described the feast as a lavish spread featuring hot roasted turkey with rich gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables capturing the essence of fall flavors. The event, eagerly anticipated each year, drew an estimated crowd of 400 to 500 guests, with numbers potentially exceeding 600.
Michael Troskot, director of The Good Shepherd Centre, expressed enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the communal spirit it fosters. Troskot noted the increasing reliance on food aid, with Good Shepherd serving over 104,000 meals in 2023, highlighting the challenges of food insecurity faced by many households.
Acknowledging the escalating demand for food bank services, Troskot stressed the crucial role of community support for nonprofit food programs in these challenging times of rising food and housing costs. He commended the dedicated kitchen team at Good Shepherd for their heartfelt efforts in preparing and serving meals with care and creativity.
Greg McCausland, the chef and kitchen supervisor leading Good Shepherd’s culinary team, highlighted the growing numbers of individuals benefiting from their community meals, which now extend to various shelters operated by the organization. McCausland shared that the preparation for the Thanksgiving meal involved meticulous planning and coordination, with donations and volunteer assistance contributing to the success of the event.
The Thanksgiving gathering saw approximately 530 meals served on that day, with additional distributions made to various locations, totaling 880 turkey dinners for the year. Attendees not only enjoyed a hearty meal but also received a delightful apple blossom dessert, beverages, fresh fruit, and sweet treats to complement the festive occasion.