The spirit of giving was in the air this week, as some Richmondites worked around the clock to provide hundreds of Christmas Eve dinners to people in need.
Richmond Emmanuel Church members and chefs from Continental Seafood Restaurant in Richmond have been at the forefront of this joint effort since Dec. 18, bringing 528 turkey meals to individuals and families throughout the Richmond area.
“We bought 800 pounds of turkey meat, tons of mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. Our kitchen has been stocked up with turkey meal recipes and cooking ingredients. We started preparing for this big feast last Friday afternoon, and more than 400 meals have been rolled out so far (last weekend). There will be more coming soon,” said Tom Mah, owner of the Continental Seafood Restaurant, who spent the past three days in the kitchen overseeing the initiative.
Mah noted the creation of hundreds of turkey meals has been the result of the collaboration between various organizations, including seven local non-profits who will help deliver them.
“We aren’t the only individuals who are doing this. It’s great to get out here and help out other people,” said Mah.
Richmondite Thomas Leung, an outreach council member for Emmanuel Church, said the meal delivery is on its way, but there are still many people out there in the community who need support.
“Hopefully, more good-hearted people like Tom (Mah) will step up to help,” added Leung.
The Christmas meals are being delivered this week to people who use the following local non-profit services:
1) Richmond Food Bank Society
2) Pathways Clubhouse
3) The Salvation Army - Richmond House Emergency Shelter
4) VCH Richmond Mental Health Consumers & Friends’ Society
5) Women’s Resources Centre
6) Healthiest Babies Possible
7) Touchtone Family Association
8) Seniors from the Richmond Emmanuel Church
