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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Full stomachs and an afternoon on the couch watching hockey or football is what Thanksgiving is to a lot of people but not at the Salvation Army.

Matthew Kimiksana, 26, eats his Thanksgiving dinner in the Salvation Army dinning room Sunday, Oct. 9. - Heather Lange/NNSL photo

Maj. Jo Sobool says Thanksgiving is the time to say thank-you to the community.

"We get so much support through out the year this is our of saying thank-you, said Sobool.

The Salvation Army had 15 volunteers on hand Sunday to serve more than 150 people over one hour. They cooked 18 turkeys, along with mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, stuffing, cranberry sauce and buns for a free Thanksgiving feast. Sobool said the number of people attending the Thanksgiving feast was about the same as last year's.

Some people were there because they had nowhere else to go to have some turkey dinner while others were just curious, like first time visitor Caroline Jermick'ca.

Jeremick'ca, 24, graduated from the high school in Whati earlier this year. She is now taking the social work program at Aurora College.

"I just wanted to meet new people. The Salvation Army supports a lot of people, it's good," said Jeremick'ca.

Another young person, Matthew Kimiksana,26, is also a college student attending the turkey feast Sunday.

Kimiksana is originally from Tuktoyaktuk and moved to Yellowknife a year ago. "I moved here for a job and to meet new people. Right now I'm at Aurora College upgrading and taking computer courses," said Kimiksana.

Kimiksana lives at the Bailey House and comes to the Salvation Army for meals every once in a while.

Kathy Frankie, originally from Behchoko, has been living in Yellowknife for 15 years and also got her fill of turkey on Sunday at the Salvation Army.

Frankie said life is a struggle and the Salvation Army makes a difference in her and her kid's lives.

"I have seven kids. The housing costs a lot," said Frankie.

"I don't want to go on income support again because they don't pay enough. Income support is supposed to help but doesn't help me. There are a lot of good parents on the street but we struggle with alcohol and relationships.

"We get help from these people, we love it. The Salvation Army supports my family," Frankie added.

Doriesha States is a volunteer with the youth group Katimavik, who helped serve the 150 guests in the Salvation Army dining room.

"I like seeing people smile when they get their food, it's an awesome feeling."

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