Souls Harbour $100K kitchen finished just in time for the holidays

It's been a very big year for the people at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Halifax. After months under construction, their $100,000 kitchen is ready to cook its first meal for those in need.

The charity won the money in an online contest run by the insurance company Aviva. They received thousands of votes to clinch the top prize and the grant. 

The money allowed them to knock out the old, tiny kitchen which was in the basement of a former church. The new space is now more that double in size, complete with a commercial-sized gas stove, two ovens, a walk-in freezer and a sink for dishwashing.

They also have the space to plate the food, which was essential for Michelle Porter, one of the founders of Souls Harbour.  

"This means that we can serve meals dinner-style like you would in a restaurant," she said. "And I love that we can treat people with that dignity and respect that they don't often get."

Thanksgiving on the BBQ

Porter's team had to get creative while construction was underway. They didn't want to close the operation, so they cooked meals in other areas. 

Their Thanksgiving feast was cooked on barbecues, and the only source of hot water has been boiling their own. They also had to cope with no power for a time last week as the entire electrical system had to be upgraded to support the industrial equipment. 

Some contractors volunteered on their days off to help stretch the money. They worked long hours to try to get everything installed.

There were times Porter worried they wouldn't make their deadline.

"We have had our Christmas miracle come true. As of Christmas day, we get to cook our meals here."

They expect to serve 150 people chowder on Friday, but the new equipment will really be put to the test on New Year's Eve, when they serve a belated Christmas feast for up to 400.

While the kitchen is in, the work is far from over. Souls Harbour won the Aviva grant for the second time this year. They're using the money on the final pieces of the kitchen — including a tilt skillet. 

They've also gutted the main eating area. Windows will be installed to make it feel less like a basement, and more like a restaurant. Porter says their next goal is to have everything done just in time for their annual Easter dinner.