Souls Harbour means more than just a Thanksgiving meal for some in Regina

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission held their annual Thanksgiving community meal on Friday. (Jacob Carr / CTV News)

For Regina resident Carrie Knipfel, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has been a saving grace.

While Friday marked the Souls Harbour Thanksgiving Community Meal, the organization has been a big part of Knipfel’s harrowing life story for years.

“Going through with my husband having diabetes and now being a widow of almost nine years, the Salvation Army and Souls have both been known as family,” she explained.

Knipfel has six children, who she told CTV News were a big reason she was able to get through a battle with breast cancer.

Knipfel is now six-years removed from the cancer and said Souls Harbour has stepped up whenever her family has needed them.

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“If there was something that they could help with a little bit of food for managing for my children until the next child tax or next social assistance payments, they were there,” she said.

Friday afternoon was all about giving thanks as Souls Harbour welcomed around 500 people for a Thanksgiving meal, something Knipfel is also thankful for.

“Just a gathering and to be thankful for everyone, and just to be in the company of different people,” she said.

“We want to give thanks to all of our volunteers, to all of our donors, and we want to make sure that our community feels loved and supported, and that they have a place to go to share a special meal with their family and friends,” said Cathy Ingram, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission finance and development director.