Thunder Bay firefighters responded to a call this past weekend -- at the Salvation Army to carve turkeys.

The Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association, along with the Salvation Army, provided hot meals for those who needed it this Thanksgiving. As well, the Northwestern Ontario Patients Council served the first Thanksgiving meals at the new Shelter House.

Firefighters Association spokesperson, Scott Chisholm, says it all started nine years ago when he was talking with someone from the Salvation Army at a fire, and found out there was a need for a Thanksgiving dinner. Since then, The Association has been providing funds and help every Thanksgiving.

‘’I've seen young people come with their families. They came here as babies, and now they're nine and 10 years old, and that's pretty amazing to see. And for firefighters, it's become a big tradition, a big part of who we are, at this time of year.’’

Salvation Army spokesperson Gail Kromm says it overwhelms her to see the generosity, friendliness and caring of the firefighters every year.

Volunteers and staff served the first Thanksgiving dinner at the new shelter house, known as Rotary House Thunder Bay. Shelter House Operation Supervisor, Shelly Whitney, says with the new facility they can focus on other things, other than the building's needs.

With the generosity and time of all the volunteers, the Salvation Army and Rotary House Thunder Bay, about 500 people in the community were able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner, who wouldn't have been able to otherwise.