Community, business and Child Development Centre volunteers are gearing up for the 17th annual Yuletide Dinner and 9th annual Christmas Wish Breakfast.
“As in the past, we are extremely appreciative that the Ramada has kindly offered to host both of these events again this year at their convention centre,” says organizer Vanessa Riplinger in her letter of request for community help with the events.
The Yuletide Dinner takes place Tuesday, Dec. 9 between 4 and 7 p.m. The Christmas Wish Breakfast Buffet will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 10 a.m.
The dinner is provided free to families or individuals who are experiencing difficult times financially and might otherwise not experience a true holiday meal.
The cost of sponsorship is $11 for an individual dinner or $44 for a family of four. Tax receipts are available.
Admission to the breakfast is a way to provide toys for children in need this Christmas.
“The breakfast is a fantastic way for us to generate gifts for countless local families that cannot afford to buy gifts for their children during the holidays,” Riplinger says.
“The cost of the breakfast buffet is either a cash donation or a new unwrapped child’s toy which can be brought at the time of event.
As the breakfast is a very popular event, with the Ramada’s Carmen’s Restaurant doing the catering, Riplinger asks that people contact the Ramada at 250-392-3321 to reserve their table.
Monetary donations can be dropped off at the Child Development Centre at 690 North Second Avenue, or made payable to the Child Development Centre.
People who need someone to pick up their donation or those who have questions are asked to call the CDC at 250-392-4481.
In 2013, the Yuletide Dinner fed more than 475 people. This year that number is expected to escalate.
“It is with help from our magnificent community opening their generous hearts during this trying time of year that we are able to make it possible,” Riplinger says.
“Thank you again for supporting those families experiencing a challenging time this holiday season. We wish you a beautiful holiday season and a New Year full of peace and happiness.”