As a young man, Arnold August found both solace and shelter when he needed it most at Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 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 Mission91裸聊视频檚 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.

91裸聊视频淚 come down here and try to talk to the brothers, try to help them stay inspired, because we91裸聊视频檙e having a lot of people passing away nowadays,91裸聊视频� August said. 91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 just so thankful for the administration that take the time to care for our brothers and sisters and put this event on.

91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 retired, I like to volunteer and use as many avenues as I can to help the homeless and those with addictions.91裸聊视频�

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.

91裸聊视频淩ent is very expensive in Kelowna,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淭here91裸聊视频檚 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.

91裸聊视频淭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,91裸聊视频� added Phillips. 91裸聊视频淪ome are also seniors and they91裸聊视频檙e lonely, so it91裸聊视频檚 time to come in and enjoy a meal with a group of people they can get to know.91裸聊视频�

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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