Two Greater Victoria families will be enjoying a full Thanksgiving dinner on Monday thanks to two people who wanted to give back.

Janice LeBlanc said embarking on this random act of kindness was a last-minute decision after finding out that the food bank was closed for the holiday weekend.

B次元官网网址淚 am disappointed at myself that I didnB次元官网网址檛 go to the food bank a few days ago but I was not feeling well. I just would like someone who needs it to take it. People are hurting so badly these days.B次元官网网址�

LeBlanc was moved by a post she read on one of the community groups she follows about a mother who said she can only pick up from the food bank once a month.

B次元官网网址淪heB次元官网网址檚 feeding her children before she feeds herself and she's not eating a lot. It just rips my heart.B次元官网网址�

The North Saanich resident knew she had to do something.

She posted a message on a Facebook group called This is Sidney on Saturday, offering up a ham roast and an apple crumble pie, some buns and vegetables in the hopes that at least one family would be interested.

Her social media post and determination to find a family that truly needed help led her to Judy Henry, whom she met through her husbandB次元官网网址檚 church.

B次元官网网址淚 went to her house on West Saanich Road and we gave each other a big hug,B次元官网网址� LeBlanc excitedly shared.

For Henry, it was a wonderful surprise to meet a stranger with a gift for her family on Thanksgiving.

"I'm very thankful. I have a big family B次元官网网址� six children and nine grandchildren and we're all going to enjoy the ham and pie."

Answered prayer

A single mom and her children were the recipients of a family-sized feast from Saanich resident Ryan Michael.

Like LeBlanc, Michael posted on his personal Facebook account on Sunday, Oct. 13, hoping to give away a turkey roast dinner to a family in need.

Within 20 minutes he received six messages about the dinner including one from a single mother who explained she had fled domestic violence with her children.

B次元官网网址淭hey had been surviving on just broth for their last three meals. She was moved to tears when I confirmed I would provide her with this meal." 

The single mom, who wished to remain anonymous said MichaelB次元官网网址檚 post was an answer to her prayers.

B次元官网网址淚 thought the chances of getting it were slim. I'm usually the one that's helping everybody else; I'm at a time in my life where I'm the one that needs the help.B次元官网网址�

Michael said it was a profoundly moving experience to meet the family and left feeling deeply humbled and thankful for the opportunity to help.

B次元官网网址淎s I handed her the bags, she began to cry and I could feel a giant weight being lifted off her chest and then immense gratitude. I hugged her and reassured her that it was OK.B次元官网网址�

The single mother of two planned to cook the turkey roast dinner on Sunday and Thanksgiving Monday.

B次元官网网址淭here were a lot of potatoes and things, so I'm trying to make two dinners out of it so that we can stretch out the blessings as long as we possibly can,B次元官网网址� she added.

Two tales of giving, one happy ending for those who helped and those who welcomed it.