Within the distant city of Churchill, Manitoba—typically hailed because the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”—one thing really particular unfolded this Thanksgiving—Canadian Thanksgiving that’s, which befell on October 14. Amid the bustling polar bear season, Pure Habitat Adventures’ Polar Bear Crew paused their busy schedules to host a group Thanksgiving feast.
“Writing from the North with some heartwarming content material,” shared Alexis Campbell, Canada Area Operations Supervisor. “This 12 months, our staff up in Churchill hosted our annual free Thanksgiving meal for the group. We began with a neighborhood Indigenous Elder blessing our meals, and a Land Acknowledgment and appreciation speech from myself to the group.”
A celebration of the autumn harvest and giving thanks earlier than the fast-approaching winter, our free Canadian Thanksgiving feast fosters connection and unity.
Feeding 300 individuals isn’t any small feat, particularly throughout one of many busiest occasions of the 12 months. The staff orchestrated a seamless occasion, bringing collectively individuals from numerous backgrounds to share within the spirit of gratitude and togetherness. “Everybody was extremely grateful, and it was very inspiring to see people from a mess of backgrounds collect collectively to share a meal,” Alexis mirrored. “This was the very best meal we now have ever placed on; all the things ran easily (even once we ran out of plates), the meals was excellent, and we have been even capable of help a neighborhood baker by having her cater the dessert.” On the menu? Turkey, roast potatoes, squash, inexperienced beans, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, and naturally, pumpkin pie.
The success of the occasion was a collective effort. “We had 7 cooks, 6 Churchill Area Operations Employees, 1 Winnipeg driver, 1 Winnipeg FOS, 1 Boulder Operations Coordinator, a neighborhood Expedition Chief and one very particular 3-year-old assist us pull this off,” mentioned Alexis. “I’m extraordinarily grateful for the flexibility to facilitate this meal for the group and to work with these unbelievable people day in and day trip.”
Kate Shew, Senior Journey Director—Canada, echoed this sentiment: “I simply must say…It’s really inspiring and downright spectacular how our staff manages to feed 300 (!!!) individuals within the midst of polar bear season, all whereas gracefully navigating the calls for of on a regular basis polar bear logistics. I actually can’t specific the quantity of labor they put into this group occasion—the planning, ordering, cooking, prep, dishwashing and serving. (Simply attempt to think about what cooking for 300 individuals appears to be like like!)”
Kate added, “A HUGE thanks and kudos to Alexis for organizing such an essential occasion that’s central to our mission, and for your complete staff for executing it!
Supporting native communities is central to Nat Hab’s mission of conservation by means of exploration, and this Thanksgiving feast was greater than only a meal; it was a celebration of group, collaboration and the spirit of giving.
In the meantime, amid a dusting of snow, Nat Hab vacationers have been within the midst of the motion as polar bears ambled throughout the tundra, and there have been sightings of many cold-weather buddies: Arctic hare, purple foxes, snow buntings, short-eared owls, northern pintails, snow buntings and ptarmigan.
As polar bears roam the snowy landscapes outdoors, the nice and cozy spirits contained in the group heart remind us all the energy of coming collectively. Right here’s to many extra years of shared meals, shared tales and shared gratitude in Churchill.
