Downtown Mission hands out hundreds of turkeys and plans Thanksgiving feast

Staff at the Downtown Mission have spent the past two days handing out hundreds of turkeys and on Thanksgivingthey'll be dishing out even more of the holiday bird.

• Forget Detroit. Celebrate American Thanksgiving in Cottam!

The mission is planning a festive feast Monday, from noon to 1 p.m., that will offer food, fellowship and all of the other holidayfixings.

"I think it's a great way that we as an organization and we as a community actually come together to support people in our community," explained director of development Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin. "Sometimes people feel alone and sad at different times of the year, especially holidays."

A total of 250 turkeys were distributed Thursday, and the mission followed up Friday with a second giveaway.

Ponniah-Goulinsaid they're bracing for more than 300 visitors Monday and everyone is welcome to stop by for a meal.

"They can stop in as an individual, come as a family, however they would like to come and celebrate," she said."Being able to open our doors and take part as a family, all of us together. It's nice to give that connection to someone."

Matching campaign up to $1M

The mission is also in the midst of a matching campaignto raise funds for their wellness programs. Ponniah-GoulinsaidareaphilanthropistAlQuesnelis willing to match donations up to $1 million.

"It could mean increased programs to help people in recovery, or coming out of addiction, or dealing with mental health struggles," she said. "They just want to move forward and that's what this amazing donation could do."