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ShareSt. Joe’s offers turkey dinner, fellowship
November 25, 2008Not everyone has a home for the holidays. And sometimes, for those who do, it can be a lonely place.
That’s why St. Joseph’s Church is preparing to host its 17th annual community Christmas dinner, for anyone who needs a warm and friendly place to enjoy a full holiday meal with all the trimmings, including hot apple cider and dessert.
The dinner, which begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25, is open to the whole community at no charge, but it is aimed particularly at seniors who might be alone and in need of companionship, and people who can’t afford to prepare a nice Christmas meal.
Each year, the hall is festively decorated and entertainment is provided. Guests are invited to take part in a carol sing, and in past years, Santa Claus has dropped by with gifts for them to take home.
As nice as it is for the people who attend St. Joseph’s Christmas dinner, preparing and serving the annual meal has been rewarding for volunteers, too.
“For my wife and I, this is our sixth year as co-ordinators, and we really enjoy it,” said St. Joseph’s member Dan Ritchie.
The church hall, at 20676 Fraser Hwy., has seating for about 300 people and most years it fills up, he said.
However, Ritchie has no concerns about running out of food on the day.
“There are lots of very, very generous people around here,” he said.
Anyone who is interested in helping out by donating a turkey or a ham for the St. Joe’s Christmas meal, or providing a small gift for Santa Claus to deliver to a dinner guest, is asked to contact Dan or Joan Ritchie at 604-534-5028.
People who would like to come for dinner and need a ride, are asked to call the same number before Dec. 21.
