Community invited to Christmas dinner
In its 21st year, the Creemore Community Christmas Dinner will return to a sit- down dinner at the Creemore Legion.
On Dec. 25, Master Chef Elf Jim Henderson and all his helpers will be cooking up a turkey dinner with all the trimmings for more than 100 people.
The community dinner is open to everyone and often appeals to people who find themselves separated from loved ones on Christmas for one reason or another, or people who don’t have enough space at home to host their family. The event attracts people from Creemore and surrounding communities because it feels like a big family gathering.
Coordinator Donna Baylis said almost everyone involved contributes in some way to the event, whether it’s a donation or volunteering some time.
“People give what they can and every little bit helps,” she said.
This year, Ed Leimgardt Contracting has donated the full cost of preparing the dinner.
“That helps for this year and pretty much ensures that we have a dinner for next year so that’s great,” said Baylis.
Volunteers are needed to help decorate and prep food on Dec. 24 (from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), for food prep (from 10 a.m.), dessert prep (from noon), and clean-up on Dec. 25, and tear-down on Dec. 26 (from 11 a.m.)
Volunteers are also needed to drive people and deliver meals to those who cannot attend.
To volunteer, contact Baylis at 705-466-2523 or CreemoreChristmasElf@gmail.com.
The event also allocates resources to purchasing gifts for residents of the nursing home, Creedan Valley Care Community, who do not have family. This year, there will be 11 people on the list.
To support the event, donate to the “Community Christmas Dinner” account at TD Bank (#0330 5202657) or e-transfer funds to the address above.
Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. in Creemore’s Royal Canadian Legion. Requests for rides or meal deliveries can be arranged upon request. Please RSVP to allow for meal planning, but the elves don’t intend to turn anyone away. For more information, visit creemorechristmas.ca.
