Holiday meals served to hundreds at Agape Table Wednesday morning

Hundreds of people lined up Wednesday morning for a special Christmas meal at Agape Table in Winnipeg's inner city area.

The soup kitchen served a turkey meal with all the trimmings. Seasonal music, a tree and gifts were all on hand to help give those in need a boost to their spirits this Christmas Eve.

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Agape Table's Nancy Chippendale said people come not only for the food, but for the company.

"We have a lot of very elderly people who come and we have people who are new to Winnipeg,” said Chippendale. “We have people who are from miles and miles away who hear on the street that Agape Table serves a beautiful breakfast and that everyone feels welcome."

"It's a sense of belonging, it's community," said Paul, who was one of around 400 diners at Agape Table on Wednesday.

"You get cabin fever and that. It's an outing. It's more than just a dinner, it's a community event."

Forty volunteers started getting the meal ready at 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Diversity Foods’ chef Ben Kramer also helped out and roasted 35 turkeys ahead of time.

"There will just be a real spirit of sharing and generosity and community and most of all family with our volunteer staff and guests,” said Chippendale before the meal was served.

The holiday meal began at 8 a.m. and was served until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.