"When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and repayment come to you. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." Luke 14:12-14
On Sunday, October 16 th, St. Charles parishioners provided the meal for “the poor, the crippled, and the lame...” Volunteers prepared 8 very large vats of turkey soup, and transported them along with 288 dinner buns, 3 cases of bananas, 25 boxes of cookies and 56 liters of milk to the Immaculate Conception Drop In Centre at 181 Austin Street, in the heart of Winnipeg’s North End. It provided a hearty meal to 210 people and the remaining food was put in containers for people to take home.
St. Charles Parish was involved with the Drop In Centre for a number of years in the ‘80s. It was resumed and has continued for the last 15years. Originally parishioners provided chili once a year but later it was decided that they would like to provide a second meal. As a result, a hearty turkey soup is prepared in the kitchen at St. Charles church hall in October.
The Sunday Drop In at Immaculate Conception Church was begin by the Sisters of the Holy Names in the late 70's because there was no social services available for street people on Sundays. It is open every Sunday from September to mid June from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and serves lunch to between 200 and 300 people.
The folks served at the Drop In are primarily male and aboriginal. Some are working but most find that they are unable to feed themselves consistently week to week. More than 30 different organizations provide the healthy lunches. These organizations include parishes, student groups and charitable organizations. The meal providers are asked to include protein, fruit and milk in their menu.
I asked Ruth, the Immaculate Conception Drop In-Coordinator to tell me about the volunteers. She said, “Each volunteer is a gift. Each one, unique. We have youth volunteers who come through school community service programs and stay long after their programs are completed. We have volunteers who come with their parishes and continue to volunteer regularly. We have volunteers who come from the Point Douglas neighborhood who are empowered by the opportunity to serve their community.”
When I asked Ruth what else she needed for the Drop In besides food she replied, “Personal care items such as small shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine products are very helpful.”
Ruth is starting her 7 th year at the Drop In. I asked her what motivates her to continue in this ministry. She replied, “Our faith teaches us that we are to love one another. I experience this love most profoundly at the Drop In. Sharing this with so many others transforms my day to day experience. Each one of us moves beyond fears, beyond stereotypes, and little by little, week to week, hearts and minds are transformed.”
