One of Creemore’s defining community events is the Community Christmas Dinner, which ensures no one has to eat alone on Christmas.
In its 22nd year, the dinner will be held at the Creemore Legion on Dec. 25 and everyone’s invited.
Master Chef Elf Jim Henderson and his helpers will once again be cooking up a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
The first Creemore Community Christmas Dinner was held in 2001 with 15 people in attendance, and has been offered almost every year since thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers and space donated by the Legion. Attendance grew to 141 in 2014 and last year served 98 meals.
Coordinator Donna Baylis says the dinner attracts a wide array of people – volunteers who love to cook and others who love to decorate; empty- nesters whose children are away; grandparents whose family gatherings are on another day; people new to town; families that need greater table space; people who simply enjoy being with their neighbours on a festive occasion. All are welcome.
Attendees are asked to register as soon as possible to help with meal planning but no one is turned away on Christmas.
Volunteers are welcome to help with food prep and deliveries. Dinner will be offered from the Royal Canadian Legion, Creemore Branch 397 at 27 Wellington St. W. This year’s dinner is being served at about 5 p.m. Doors open at 4: 30 p.m. All are welcome regardless of age or personal circumstance with a goal to ensure that everyone has a little bit of Christmas. Dinner is free but donations to help cover the costs are greatly appreciated.
Organizers are accepting non- perishable food items, gift cards and cash donations for St. Luke’s Community Food Bank, and once again organizers are purchasing gifts for 11 residents of Creedan Valley Care Community, who do not have family.
Volunteers will be happy to deliver a hot Christmas meal to anyone in the Creemore/Avening area who may be shut-in due to illness, disability or other situation. Volunteers will also be available to assist those in need of transportation to and from the hall. Simply ask when you register. RSVP to 705-466-2523 or CreemoreChristmasElf@gmail.com.
Volunteers are needed on Dec. 24 to prep food from 10 a.m. (bring your own paring knife), and set tables from 1 p.m. On Dec. 25 people are needed to be drivers, prep dessert from noon, help in the kitchen from 11 a.m., and clean-up after dinner.
To support the event, donate to the “Community Christmas Dinner” account at TD Bank (#0330 5202657) or e-transfer funds to the address above. For more information, visit creemorechristmas.ca.