There’s no need for anyone who’s alone to be lonely at Christmas.
A proud tradition continues with the Willie and Jean Fyffe Memorial Christmas dinner at the Chemainus Legion Hall on Dec. 25, with doors opening at noon and dinner served at 1 p.m.
Everyone is welcome, said Esther Craig, who picked up where the Fyffes left off to coordinate the organizing effort. It doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from.
Personal situations change each year and 2019 has been especially difficult for workers at the Western Forest Products Chemainus sawmill, to name but one departure from the norm.
“I hope some of the people that are suffering from the strike will take advantage of the opportunity to join us,” said Craig.
“Last year we had quite a few because of the wind storm.”
People can bring along a favourite vegetable, salad or dessert or simply make a cash donation.
“If the cupboard’s bare, just bring your smile,” said Craig.
The turkeys and hams are being supplied through donations.
“Some people have given me quite sizable cash donations,” noted Craig. “When we started it, we sort of funded it ourselves.”
The willingness of the community to help out with the dinner keeps increasing.
“It’s just fantastic the amount of people that are calling to volunteer,” enthused Craig. “I’m ending up having to schedule people so I don’t have too many at one time.”
For the first time, some people have also stepped forward to offer entertainment.
“We’ll have live music and a little bit of a sing-along as well,” said Craig.
She stressed this is not a Legion event. “It’s a community function. The Legion donates the use of its hall.”
Soup and leftovers will be served at the same time on Boxing Day.
