Students from Red River College’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts served up a pre-holiday feast to guests at Siloam Mission today, preparing hundreds of turkey dinners donated by the Manitoba Turkey Producers and Granny’s Poultry Cooperative Ltd.

Under the guidance of Culinary Arts instructors Chef Scott Ball and Chef Gordon Bailey, students cooked and served approximately 18 turkeys (more than 400 pounds worth), along with traditional vegetable side dishes, sauces, gravy and dessert.

The students prepared the meals for approximately 600 Siloam guests, then served them alongside a host of local dignitaries, including Kevin Chief, Minister of Jobs and Economy, Mayor Brian Bowman (above, far right) and David Rew, Interim RRC President (above, second from right)

“The holiday season can be particularly hard on those in our community experiencing homelessness and poverty. They do not have the resources to enjoy a Christmas feast,” says Floyd Perras, Executive Director of Siloam Mission. “We are grateful to have these students share their skills and passion. Red River College, the Manitoba Turkey Producers, and Grannies are bridging the gap to build a stronger, more compassionate community here in Winnipeg’s inner city.”

The event is representative of RRC’s ongoing partnership with Siloam Mission, and of its continued outreach efforts throughout the city. The College’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute is located just blocks away from Siloam, and is an integral part of the surrounding community.

Students arrived at Siloam early Monday, first helping to prepare and serve breakfast to approximately 600 guests. They then prepared and served approximately 500 turkey dinners during Siloam’s lunch meal service.

“Red River College has transformed lives in the classroom for more than 75 years and we also want to make a difference in our neighbourhood and in our city,” says Rew of the partnership. “Siloam Mission is an excellent organization helping make a difference in Winnipeg. Partnering with Siloam offers many experiences for our students and demonstrates how they can make a difference in their community outside the classroom.”

“We are proud our donation will help feed over 500 people who rely on Siloam Mission for a hot meal,” says Bill Uruski, Chairman of Manitoba Turkey Producers. “We recognize many people in our community don’t get the opportunity to enjoy turkey with their family over the holidays. We hope our donation brings smiles to the faces of those who may often go without.”