COLD LAKE - The Cold Lake John Howard Society transformed its shelter into a festive haven, offering a warm holiday meal to anyone in need on Dec. 21.
With the aroma of turkey and apple crisp filling the air, the event wasn’t just about food. It was about fostering connections and addressing critical gaps in the community.
“Because everyone deserves a Christmas meal, we believe as the board, and also it creates a sense of community. Eat together,” said Candice Sutterfield, board chair of the Cold Lake John Howard Society.
The annual tradition is hosted by the board and brings people together during the holidays, while offering a break for staff and clients. The meal was open to all, reflecting the shelter’s commitment to inclusivity and support for those in need.
“Anybody who needs a meal” was welcome to attend, shared Sutterfield, noting that food insecurity remains a significant challenge in the community. Leftovers were creatively repurposed into turkey pies for the next day, ensuring nothing went to waste.
“Although someone might have a home, they may not have a hot meal. So, we thought it would be a good idea for everybody [to be invited]. So even at 7 p.m., when individuals come in, they don’t need to spend the night for supper,” she said.
The event also underscored the shelter’s broader mission, which is to build relationships and provide a sense of safety and belonging.
“We feel, as a board, that when you come together as individuals and you eat together, you’re talking, you’re talking about your day, what’s going on with your day-to-day, your challenges, and how you can move forward,” Sutterfield said.
In addition to meals, the shelter offers a wide range of services to support individuals on their path to stability, including day and evening outreach, assistance with getting identification cards, medical appointments, and making connections to detox and treatment programs.
“We also provide evening outreach as well. We have two to three staff from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. who ensure that the individuals have everything for their showers, bedtime, and a meal, and safety, that sense of safety,” Sutterfield explained.
The shelter provides a safe place for all, including those exiting the justice system or facing homelessness, offering secure storage for belongings and compassionate support to help individuals move ahead.
For Sutterfield and her team, the holiday meal is a reflection of the values they work to instill year-round - community, comfort, and care.
“I want them to feel safe and know that someone cares about them. I also want them to know that those doors are always open. They know that their bellies can be full, and they’ll be warm,” she said.
