Plates filled with fragrant chick pea curry and chewy roti pass between a row of volunteers and then into the hands of hungry people at Our Place Society.
As tables fill and people tuck into their dinners, it might look like any other meal at the shelter.
But for the Sikh youth who organized it, it’s a way to connect people across cultures and give back to a community in need.
The youth have been sponsoring a dinner at Our Place once a month since June, preparing the food the day before at the Gurdwara, or Sikh temple. The group will be back on Dec. 24, serving a Christmas Eve dinner with an Indian twist.
Upon hearing that news, Charlie Stanfield’s eyes widened and he brought his hands to his mouth.
“That’s fabulous,” said the 64-year-old, who lives at Our Place. “I’m a vegetarian and this is just wonderful for me.” He said it can be hard to get meat-free meals at the shelter.
A year ago, Stanfield could be found drinking at the corner of Main and East Hastings in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. He was the victim of a violent attack.
Now, with a stable place to sleep, “it’s the first time in my life I feel safe,” he said.
Stanfield said his 91-year-old mother died in his arms three years ago. In his time at Our Place, the staff has become his family, as have regular volunteers like those from the Sikh community.
“For us, it’s very humbling and an honour to be able to do this [also on Christmas Eve], because that’s the time it’s needed the most,” said Peter Gill, a Victoria police officer who is heavily involved in the Sikh community.
“People who are vulnerable and might not have anything, we’re there to provide them a hot meal.”
Alexis Dumaresq has been volunteering with the Sikh youth since June and looks forward to serving at Our Place.
“Every time we come, people say this is their favourite meal,” Dumaresq said. “They look forward to us coming.”
Priya Bains said food is often the most accessible way to share one’s culture.
“I think it’s really nice,” Bains said. “It’s teaching them about Indian culture and the food.”
The society has an average of 12 sponsored breakfasts and four sponsored lunches or dinners a month, but in December, there will be 28 sponsored meals, said Our Place spokesman Grant McKenzie.
“We serve three meals per day, seven days per week, but when a group sponsors a meal, it helps with our food budget and also offers the family members more variety and something new, such as a curry, that they might not otherwise get,” McKenzie said.
How to donate
Our Place is among the organizations that benefit from the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, which raises money to help people in need in Greater Victoria. Last year’s fundraising total was close to $294,000.
To donate:
• Go to timescolonist.com/donate. The site is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• Mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria V8T 4M2.
• Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside those hours, messages will be accepted.
