I do not have all the details involved in the preparing and serving of the New Year’s Day feast at the Abbotsford Salvation Army, so if I get details wrong I apologize.

My understanding is that sisters, members of our Sikh community, wanted to serve a meal for the hungry. They were looking at Christmas, but Andy Kwak, the new man in charge at the Salvation Army suggested New Year’s Day would be better. Great suggestion Mr. Kwak and thank you for allowing the use of the meal centre.

Family and friends of the sisters pitched in to help and from all the people who were there preparing and serving the food, the sisters have a lot of family and friends.

They served up lots of great East Indian fare. Enough so that people were waddling out the door unable to eat a single bite more. Many left with sandwiches and/or ‘takeout” for supper that night.

Keeping it simple I will merely say that I heard from many people how much they enjoyed and appreciated the food, expressing their Thanks.

What a great way to start out the New Year; and the food wasn’t bad either.

This is the kind of spirit and community initiative we need to make a start at ending homelessness, addiction and hunger in Abbotsford.

Truly a great, an energizing beginning for the New Year.

Thank you all very much. For the food, the thoughtfulness, your company and your generosity.

Thank you.