Pictured above: Community members and store staff gather for a Thanksgiving feast in Iqaluit, NU.

Residents of Iqaluit, NU, had a Thanksgiving Day to remember – one that included a warm, delicious dinner to go. 

Iqaluit NorthMart store staff members brought joy to their community by giving away 300 Thanksgiving meals to those who otherwise may not have had a Thanksgiving dinner. The meals were very well received by residents of all ages, from children to Elders. 

Word about the Thanksgiving-to-go dinner was posted on a Facebook post and excitement quickly spread through the community. 

Each meal included pineapple glazed ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, meatballs and gravy, stuffing and a slice of pumpkin or apple pie. Plans to prepare and distribute the 300 meals only surfaced on the Friday before Thanksgiving. The store staff happily did their best to prepare and pack the meals in just two days and have them ready for Thanksgiving Day. 

Iqaluit NorthMart Store Manager, John Kelly, and his team were all motivated and grateful for the opportunity to spread positive energy by giving away meals for Thanksgiving.  

“To be present in the area as the dinners were being passed around was a real experience. The team bagged up the dinners and the pie and handed them out one by one, with a hearty ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ to each person. There were lots of laughs and conversations between the staff and the people picking up their Thanksgiving dinners," said Kelly. "It reminded me of the importance of taking the time to give back. It's amazing to see how such a small group can make such a big difference in the community."