Toronto’s Scott Mission charity hosted its annual Thanksgiving dinner, serving over 500 individuals amidst ongoing concerns about food insecurity and the rising cost of living. The event featured a traditional meal of roasted turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and cake, prepared by dedicated volunteers who worked with 70 turkeys, 400 pounds of potatoes, 22 kilograms of cranberry sauce, and 60+ pies and cakes.
Hans Dewilde, an 18-year volunteer at Scott Mission, emphasized the significant contribution of fellow volunteers in making the dinner possible, highlighting how individuals facing homelessness and other challenges found solace in sharing a hot meal and companionship during the event.
The charity, known for providing shelter, counseling, and food assistance to homeless individuals, low-income families, children, and youth, saw a touching testimonial from Dinesh Surya, a client who expressed gratitude for the support he received, likening the community at Scott Mission to a second family. Surya shared his personal journey of transformation, overcoming health issues and finding a sense of belonging and recovery at the mission.
Aldo Hernandez, the shelter and respite manager at Scott Mission, acknowledged the growing demand for meals and food services, citing a significant increase in individuals seeking support. He emphasized the positive impact of donor contributions in sustaining the charity’s efforts to serve those in need and witnessing individuals reclaiming their lives.
The annual Who’s Hungry Report revealed a surge in food bank visits in Toronto, with over 4.1 million visits recorded from March 2024 to April 2025. Rockwell Dundas, the CEO and president of Scott Mission, reflected on the organization’s historical impact, noting the exponential growth in meals served over the years. Despite the challenges posed by increasing demand, Dundas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide essential services to the community, especially during the 85th Thanksgiving celebration organized by the charity.
