About 2,700 people visited the Ottawa Mission Monday afternoon for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner.
Mark is among the thousands who got a plate of turkey, ham, potatoes, carrots, and beans and says he's been coming to the Mission for Thanksgiving for years.
"I lived here. I went through the winter and they helped me. I got an apartment in 2008," he says. "They're absolutely amazing."
The Mission's executive director Peter Tilley says the event is about more than just food.
"A lot of people would be home alone for Thanksgiving," he says. "They get to come here under the roof of the Ottawa Mission and have a great meal with some great company and friends."
Tilley says that warm and inviting atmosphere is created by 120 some volunteers like Goldie, whose been volunteering at the dinner for years.
"I just want to pay back and my heart is for the hungry and the homeless."
Also among the volunteers is 13-year-old Jordyn, who sent in a small amount of money along with a letter saying she wanted to make sure someone got a good meal on Thanksgiving.
"My parents they were saying 'Oh, we can't do it this year. We're worried about or food,' so I just said I'll do it," she said. She sent in $4, which covers the average cost of a dinner plate, $3.47.
There were also Thanksgiving Dinners at Shepherds of Good Hope and at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School in Nepean.