A banquet-style Thanksgiving dinner buffet is being planned this weekend by the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP).

Working alongside the College of New Caledonia’s (CNC) cooking program, chefs and prodigies are currently preparing 18 turkeys, 12 hams, vegetables, mashed potatoes, and 130 litres of gravy, with any left-overs going to the SVDP.

First-year CNC student O’Shan Morin is looking forward to giving back to her community.

“I feel sad when I see the homeless people down there and knowing they don’t have anything to eat. So this makes my heart feel pretty good to be a part of this team. Even though it’s for work hours, I really just wanted to volunteer regardless.”

An estimated 800 people are expected to attend the free event.

Morin adds even though this will go towards her work hours and school credit, she wanted to volunteer regardless.

“I just hope people will be able to come and enjoy a happy afternoon and a good meal. People should be able to enjoy their day and feel good about what’s around them.”

The gathering takes place 11AM to 1PM on Sunday at Sacred Heart Church.