Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

Good Shepherd Ministries successfully hosted its annual Thanksgiving Meal Service on Monday, October 13, 2025, serving a total of 1,670 hot, festive meals to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and isolation. This years’ figure is nearly a 20% increase over the 1,400 meals that Good Shepherd provided during the 2024 holiday event.

Meal service started at noon, and continued until 2:30 pm, with lineups around the block from start to finish. Guests were served restaurant-style by many volunteers and Good Shepherd workers, and the meal included turkey, vegetables and stuffing, hot and cold beverages, and butter tarts and chocolates for dessert.

The annual event is one of the most significant days of service for Good Shepherd Ministries, however they also provide a free community meal, 365 days a year, from 2 – 4 pm, and typically serve 1,000 meals per day, making it the largest free meal program in the GTA.

The GTA is currently experiencing a food insecurity crisis, with more than 1 in 10 Torontonians relying on food banks, and 1 in 4 Toronto households experiencing food insecurity. This crisis has dramatically increased the use of services provided by Good Shepherd as well, particularly the meal program. In 2024 GSM served over 389,000 meals, an increase of over 17% since 2023.

“Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on, and celebrate, the blessings of the part year, and to share our good fortune with those in need” said GSM Executive Director Aklilu Wendaferew. “Serving 1,670 meals takes incredible effort, and we extend our deep gratitude to every donor, volunteer, and coworker whose support helped make this feast possible. This day truly embodies our mission of providing hope and hospitality.”

The organization encourages the public to continue supporting its efforts to provide shelter, addiction recovery, and supportive housing services throughout the winter months.

About Good Shepherd Ministries

Founded on the principle of hospitality, Good Shepherd Ministries has been serving Toronto’s homeless and most vulnerable citizens since 1963. The organization provides an essential continuum of care including daily Community Meals, Emergency Shelter, Supportive Housing, and critical Health and Addiction Services, all delivered with dignity and compassion.

How You Can Help:

Donate: Just $3.20 provides a nutritious meal for a Neighbour in need.

👉 Visit www.goodshepherd.ca/donate to make a donation.

Volunteer: Help us serve meals and smiles.

👉 Visit www.goodshepherd.ca/volunteer to sign up to volunteer.

Organize a Food Drive: Collect non-perishable items like canned vegetables, tuna, peanut butter, rice, and cereal.

👉 Visit www.goodshepherd.ca/ways-to-give to see our donation Wishlist.

Let’s come together to provide warmth, dignity, and hope to our neighbours in need.

Thank you for being a part of our mission to serve with compassion.