Toronto’s Scott Mission faces record demand at its annual Christmas feast
Toronto’s Scott Mission prepared for its annual Christmas feast as demand for support surged in 2022. Over 3,500 new families were expected to seek help in December alone. Meanwhile, food bank visits across the city rose by 20%, reaching more than 4.1 million for the year.
The mission’s Christmas feast took place in a quiet, subdued atmosphere. Guests showed little conversation, and anxiety filled the room. One diner, John Derrick Kendall May, praised the food—especially the pumpkin pie—before leaving with a small gift from volunteers.
Outside, a man in a taupe toque worked near a U-Haul truck parked on Spadina Avenue, just north of College Street. He handed out clothing, gloves, and toiletries to passersby. When asked about his role, he declined to speak or share details about the truck’s purpose. At one point, he helped an elderly woman adjust her coat against the strong wind. The mission’s staff highlighted poverty as the central challenge for their clients. Many now belong to a growing group of working poor, struggling despite employment. Volunteers continued to distribute essentials, offering warmth and supplies to those in need.
The Scott Mission’s efforts come at a time of rising hardship in Toronto. With food bank use climbing and more families seeking aid, the need for support remains urgent. The quiet Christmas feast and street-level assistance reflect the ongoing struggle for many in the city.
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