Harvest House event marries community spirit to need

BY CHRISTY MARSTERS

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

The Harvest House hosted a traditional turkey dinner at the Windsor Community Centre Oct. 10 as a free meal offered to anyone in the spirit of the season of giving.

About 130 people gathered for this seventh annual event to be stuffed full with a dinner plate topped off to include rolls, coleslaw, potatoes, frozen vegetables and turkey. Among those out to enjoy the feast were newlyweds Evelyn and Jamie Outman.

“We were married at the big gazebo in Victoria Park,” Evelyn said. “But we were on a fixed income and we didn’t have a lot of money to rent a reception hall.”

When Donna Eldridge of the Harvest House suggested using the turkey dinner event for a reception as her wedding gift, as a friend, it was hectic but great, Evelyn said. “We opened gifts and had pictures done there and people did the ‘dingy’ thing for us to kiss. “It was different, but I wanted my wedding to be different anyway,” she said. “And it was kind of neat because it was the Harvest House dinner, our wedding and Donna and Blaine’s wedding anniversary. It was fun being with everybody and having a good time.”

Coordinator Donna Eldridge said thanksgiving is a season for fellowship among people. “And it’s amazing how people are so willing to help out.

“I’d like to say thank you to all of those people who helped and all those who donated,” she said. “There were lots of volunteers and without them we couldn’t have done it.”

Wayne Missons was one the many volunteers on hand during the turkey dinner event because he wanted to give back.

“The Harvest House helped me. They gave me a start. Harvest House is a community outreach that helps anyone on the street,” he said. “There’s a need in Windsor and they’re trying to fit that need. Next year I hope to see even more people out at the community centre and more involved at the Harvest House.

“Everyone should know they’re here,” Missons said, “providing guidance and friendship.”