The 26th annual Yuletide Dinner returns this year, providing a free, warm sit-down meal for community members in need.
“It’s an event targeted towards folks who wouldn’t otherwise have a holiday meal this year or that might be spending the holidays alone,” said Kourtney Cameron, the community engagement planner at the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre (CDC).
The CDC throws the dinner every year and this year it takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the Sacred Heart Catholic School hall from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“It’s a way for us to give back to our community and make sure that as many people possible get fed.” Cameron noted this includes seniors who are perhaps spending the holiday alone and the unhoused population.
Support for the dinner comes from government funding as well as community donations. Early November, the CDC sends out letters to the community asking for donations, whether buying a plate or providing monetary donations. A plate for one person costs $13 and $50 covers four plates.
The event is also made possible with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, who help cook and prepare the food, along with many other volunteers, including those from the First Nations Health Authority, CDC staff, Pathfinders, local hockey teams and more. This year’s chef is Dave Olynik from the Laughing Loon.
Last year was the first year the dinner returned as a sit-down meal after the pandemic and they fed 350 people. This year they’re expecting around 600 people.
For those with children, expect Santa to arrive as well as with stockings for children.
“It’s just a wonderful event for the community to come together,” said Cameron. “Seeing everybody laughing and smiling and having a good time, that’s what I’m looking forward to the most.”
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