Record number of meals served at annual Ottawa Mission holiday feast [Video]

Christmas came early for thousands of people on Sunday as The Ottawa Mission served up its annual holiday meal.

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“I know what it’s like not to be able to have Christmas dinner and the idea that we here at the Ottawa Mission can make that happen for so many people, it makes it so special,” said chef Ric Allen-Watson.

It’s a meal many look forward to each year as the need continues to grow. Officials say 17,789 meals were served on Sunday and through the Mission’s food truck program last week, a record number.

Last year, the Mission served about 17,400 meals.

“It’s amazing that there’s so much giving here, and I am really grateful to be here,” said client Steve Kildare.

It’s a huge feat accomplished by dozens of volunteers and includes more than 800 turkeys, 3,000 pounds of potatoes, 2,000 pounds …