REGINA — The impact of Souls Harbour Regina’s Thanksgiving dinner is felt by many in the city, including Carrie Knipfel.
Knipfel is a single mother of six children who lost her husband years ago.
“He was diabetic, so I had to help him, plus struggling to get my children everything they needed.”
After losing her husband, Knipfel was supported by workers at The Salvation Army, some of whom are now part of Souls Harbour, by paying tribute to her late husband and providing her family with meals.
Those meals became essential as Knipfel still struggles daily to put food on the table, often relying on the food bank.
Knipfel also faced her own battles, having been diagnosed with breast cancer.
During her battle, she told people, “I didn't fight breast cancer for myself. I fought it for my six children, and at the time, my youngest granddaughter.”
Knipfel feels she’s been able to get through life thanks to the support of her real family and the family she has at Souls Harbour.
“They’ve had so many people come into the building, and they’ve done well, so I respect them for that.”
Like Knipfel and her two children, dozens of people lined up outside Souls Harbour for a full-course turkey meal on Friday.
“We’re providing mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, veggies, and ending with a pumpkin pie and whipped cream,” said Hannah Molano, donor relations and development manager at Souls Harbour.
Molano and other volunteers and staff spent weeks preparing to serve roughly 500 people.
In her eyes, “everyone deserves a special meal during this special day of Thanksgiving. We want them to feel loved and special on this day.”
