Media Advisory: Salvation Army Centre of Hope Hosting 1,600 for Annual Christmas Dinner

WINNIPEG, MB, Dec. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army Winnipeg Centre of Hope is preparing to serve 1,600 free Christmas meals to vulnerable community members on Thursday, December 18th. There will be four seatings in the Centre's dining room starting at 4:30 p.m. preceded by a Christmas devotional in the sanctuary and music from the Salvation Army Brass Band.

Media interview opportunities will be available from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. with Kristin Marand, Communications Manager for the Prairies and Northern Territories Division to discuss preparations and the significance of preparing Winnipeg's largest Christmas dinner:

What:	Photo/video, interview opportunities
When:	Thursday, December 18^th 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Event start 4:30 p.m.)
Where:	Winnipeg Centre of Hope, 180 Henry Ave. Free Parking is available in the parking lot behind the building or street parking along Martha Street.

Work to prepare the traditional Christmas meal, consisting of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, mixed vegetables, cranberry sauce, and dessert, began over a month ago. Winnipeg Centre of Hope staff have been preparing 350lbs of homemade stuffing, 50 gallons of turkey gravy, 400lbs of mixed vegetables, 600lbs of mashed potatoes, 1,600 portions of dessert, and 80 turkeys to make the meal.

Centre of Hope program participants can attend the dinner by signing up for a ticket, while participants at neighbouring social service agencies have been able to request tickets at the Winnipeg Centre of Hope since Tuesday, December 2nd. Free haircuts will also be offered to Centre of Hope participants courtesy of MC College.

About The Salvation Army:   

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882. Today, it is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country, offering hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world.

We believe in the transformative power of a helping hand--empowering people to move forward, no matter where they're starting from. With open doors, open minds, and open hearts, The Salvation Army provides practical, personalized support to those facing poverty, homelessness, addiction, food insecurity, and other complex challenges.

Our services include hunger relief through food banks and meal programs; shelter and housing support; addiction rehabilitation; long-term and palliative care; and life-skills development such as budgeting and cooking. We also offer children and youth programming, including after-school activities, camps, school nutrition, and Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys.

Supported by generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, The Salvation Army meets people in their moment of need--and stays with them for the journey ahead. When you give to The Salvation Army, you're investing in renewed hope, restored dignity, and a stronger future for overlooked individuals and families in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca.  

SOURCE The Salvation Army Prairies and Northern Territories Division

For media inquiries, please contact: Kristin Marand, Communications Manager, Prairies and Northern Territories Division, 204-930-0193, [email protected]