SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Big smiles and holiday cheer greeted those who entered the dining hall at the Salvation Army for the organization's annual Christmas feast Sunday afternoon.

Brandon Wallis, 12, was one of the 29 volunteers at the Salvation Army Christmas feast on Sunday afternoon. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

"It's not just for the food, it's for the company and just to celebrate Christmas, this is the way to do it, over a turkey dinner," said Maj. Jo Sobool of the Salvation Army.

"It's a way that the community knows that the Salvation Army is here to help them."

Once all was said and done, 150 people feasted on holiday food and enjoyed the company of others.

"This dinner is for everyone ... they could be low income, social assistance, or income support, seniors or elders," she said.

There were 29 volunteers helping to prepare the food, which included turkey, potatoes, carrots and desserts, and to serve the meal.

"Everyone wants to feel needed," said Sobool. "This a is way for people to reach out in their community and help somebody."

Dennis Squires was the head cook at the dinner.

"I've got 14 turkeys and I'm looking to feed 200-plus (people)," he said.

The food was donated from people, businesses and other organizations.

"Food Rescue is fantastic to us," said Squires. "They sent down 400 pounds of potatoes and I don't even know how many carrots."

The giving didn't stop just in Yellowknife, Squires estimated around 60 to 70 Christmas hampers were flown out to communities in the territory free of charge through local airlines and the Department of National Defence.

"I mean this town, when they start giving out, get out of the way."

Real Labelle attended the feast because he heard about the meal when walking downtown on Sunday.

"We live in a tent, once in a while we run out of propane when it's 40 below," said Labelle, who uses the shelter occasionally.

"You really need it," said Labelle. "They're not going to leave anyone outside."

For Alison Jessome she came to the dinner to spend the time with friends.

"It's a wonderful thing," said Jessome. "No matter what your circumstance is we're all human and no matter what our circumstance is we all like to have a nice meal together with friends."

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