A turkey dinner with all the fixings was on the menu Wednesday night at the 18th annual Yuletide Dinner held at the Sacred Heart Hall.
A total of 27 turkeys, 17 hams, 300 pounds of potatoes and 50 pounds of vegetables were served up to those in need thanks to a partnership between the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Brice O’Neill of the New World Café, which provided a traditional Christmas dinner to more than 500 appreciative guests.
Dozens of volunteers were on hand to serve food, wash dishes and clean tables to make the event a special evening for everyone.
“It’s been a real team effort,” said Darla Robson, a member of St. Vincent de Paul and one of the main organizers of the event along with the CCCDC’s Vanessa Riplinger.
The church was approached by Riplinger to take on the project about four weeks ago, after the Ramada successfully hosted the event for the past 17 years.
“We said we would do it at the beginning of November and it’s been hair straight back ever since.”
Robson said the event wouldn’t have happened without the extra effort by many churches, businesses and individuals who baked desserts and made stockings.
She added that the CCCDC provided all the funding for food and gifts and encourages everyone to donate to the organization so they can continue their good deeds.