For 68 years, the Union Gospel Mission has doled out full Christmas dinners to B.C.'s neediest citizens.
But this year, it's the Mission itself that is in dire straits.
"The need this year is stronger than ever so we will probably be serving more meals than we ever have," said Union president Bill Mollard.
With the help of over 250 volunteers, including CTV's Tamara Taggart and Marke Driesschen, the Mission served more than 3,000 people today.
The food served costs the charity around $30,000. However, donations to the mission are down by $500,000 this year.
"It's about ten per cent down of what we expected and what we need just to feed the people that are here," said Mollard.
Eight years ago, Bruce Curtis came to the Mission homeless, hurting and hungry.
"Poverty and addiction brought me here first of all," he said.
But today, Bruce is the senior chaplain of the Mission and living proof that people can escape from their demons.
"It can work if you want to put a little effort forward and it's for everybody," said Curtis.
John Ricci credits the Gospel with doing more than just saving his life.
"This is a faith-based operation faith and belief that there is a God who loves and a God who cares," said Ricci. "They pointed me in a direction to get involved with him and as a result of that I believe I have something to give that I never had before -- the love of God."
After a day of serving turkey, stuffing, gravy and mashed potatoes -- followed by a slice of pie -- no one is left hungry. But as the demand for their services goes up and their donation dollars go down, the people of the Union Gospel Mission are wondering how they will meet the need tomorrow.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's David Kincaid
