Being thankful for what one has is a state of mind.

Often, when financial pressures grab hold, or other personal problems dominate one’s thoughts, it’s tough to find a silver lining.

That’s where organizations like Our Place and Dodd’s Furniture come in.

On Monday (Oct. 13), Our Place will serve a free Thanksgiving brunch to an estimated 700 or more people who might otherwise not be able to afford a special meal, or even have someone to share the day with.

“When we know about what’s going on in the financial world right now, it draws to everybody’s attention how thankful we are for many things we have here in Canada,” said Our Place executive director Rev. Al Tysick. “And the generosity we see in the city to others — it always amazes me.”

The 907 Pandora St. facility’s bright, new kitchen, which gets hopping twice a day, five days a week as it serves 600 people on average, opens up for one meal on Thanksgiving Day at 11:30 a.m. They plan on serving as long as people are coming and as long as the food holds out.

Also on Monday starting at 5 p.m., Dodd’s Furniture president Gordie Dodd and his family are sharing their holiday and giving thanks with families and other individuals in need, during their 10th annual free Thanksgiving dinner.

Being held again this year at Alzu’s Restaurant at Bay and Blanshard streets, the event generally attracts around 500 people, Dodd said, but this year they’ll be banking on closer to 600.

“It’s just making me pretty happy. I like to give Victoria people support when they give me support,” he said of his reasons behind putting on the dinner. “I want to think about giving back to the community (and) this is one way all the communities (can benefit).”

There will be tents and banquet tables and chairs set up in the parking lot of the restaurant to accommodate the numbers.

Tickets for the Alzu’s event are limited and available at Our Place, the Mustard Seed (625 Queens Ave.) and the Blanshard Community Centre (901 Kings Rd.). Volunteers are also needed. Call Dodd at 250-360-6662 for more details.

For people who either don’t do well with large crowds or can’t get to one of the other dinners, the Salvation Army at 525 Johnson St. will be serving dinner on Thanksgiving starting at 5 p.m. Call 250-858-0808 for information.

And for information on the Our Place brunch, call 250-388-7112.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com