The dining hall at the Salvation Army Yellowknife was bustling Monday, with volunteers dishing up a feast and community members lining up for a popular meal. The organization usually serves around 200 people each year, executive director Byron Hardy says.
Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and all the other fixings were readied by Lovince Derinet and a small army of volunteers. A chef by trade, Lovince said this is a special job for him.
“It's a big part of me. I really love helping out helping others, I know that it's the only way that we could move forward,” he said.
Friends, relatives and acquaintances shared a meal at long tables facing windows streaked with snow.
Volunteer Daphne Rice brought her grandson Noah along to help prep and serve around 200 people.
“I've taken him since he was a baby and he's just loved it,” she said. “I like for him to learn at a young age that it's very important to help others.”
Daphne Rice, right, grabs a helping of turkey as Keara Nelson waits with a big spoonful of mashed potatoes. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Chef Lovince Derinet shows off a vat of turkey he will serve to guests at the Salvation Army Thanksgiving meal. Derinet, who cooks at the Salvation Army when he’s not cooking at mining camps, says lending a helping hand is a big part of who he is. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Noah Rice shows off his favourite flavour of cake, vanilla Rice spends a lot of time volunteering at the Salvation Army with his grandma Daphne, who says she .first started bringing Noah to volunteer when he still fit in a baby basket. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Pamela Murray has been lending a hand at Thanksgiving dinner at the Yellowknife Salvation Army for the past five years. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Hugo Beaudry, left, and Dean Ruben hustle to get helpings of butter onto each table before the guests arrive for the annual Thanksgiving meal at the Salvation Army Monday. Beaudry moved to Yellowknife from B.C. recently, but has already started giving back to the community. Ruben, who has spent some time on the streets of Yellowknife, says lending a hand on Thanksgiving Monday helps him stay sober. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Chris Michel from Lutsel K’e enjoys time with friends at the Salvation Army Yellowknife annual Thanksgiving meal. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Trevor Bourque, left, baby Trinity Blanchard and Dawn-Marie Blanchard brought their family out for a meal at the Salvation Army Yellowknife on Thanksgiving Monday. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Daphne, front, and grandson Noah put the finishing touches on the Thanksgiving tables before the doors open at the annual meal at the Yellowknife Salvation Army. The organization usually serves around 200 people each year, executive director Byron Hardy says. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
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