New emergency shelter makes Christmas dinners [Video]

Edmonton’s newest emergency shelter is hosting its first Christmas dinner for those in need.

The Care Point Wellness Centre, located at 14830 124 Ave., opened in October but was met with controversy over it being too far from vulnerable Edmontonians.

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Tim Pasma, the director of programs with Hope Mission, said he’s seen “a high utilization rate” from the shelter.

“We wanted to add more shelter beds into Edmonton, and especially before this winter, because we knew we would see more people than we’ve ever seen before, and that’s what we’ve seen. It’s been extremely busy,” Pasma told CTV News Edmonton on Monday.

Hope Mission provides Christmas meals four times throughout December at their various shelters around the city.

“We really wanted to do a special Christmas dinner with all the fixings, a special turkey dinner, just to welcome everybody that’s here to also tell them that … they’re worth it, they’re dignified and we’re supporting them,” said Pasma.

He …