Friendship Centre Expecting Increased Demand for Xmas Dinner

Annual free Christmas Dinner is Friday

“This year we are expecting a lot more people,” Bonnyville Friendship Centre Assistant Director, Pauline Mawer, says after a busy Thanksgiving Dinner the organization is prepared for a higher than average number of people to attend the free Christmas Dinner on Friday. The annual event serves over 250 people a full Christmas dinner; turkey, stuffing, potatoes… the works.

“If you think there’s someone more deserving or that your shouldn’t attend, come. Just come,” Mawer urges all community members to attend; especially those whom may have fell on hard times this year. “I know this year is going to be a lot more, there’s a lot of hurting people out there this year.”

“A lot of people are broken at Christmas, more so than any other time of year. I’m hoping that those that do come, we’ll be able to encourage them a little bit and put a smile on their faces. Just to show them that someone in the community cares about them,” Mawer says the Christmas Dinner is truly one of her favourite events.

Donations are welcome to help put on a successful dinner. You can sponsor a turkey by stopping by the Friendship Centre and donating $80. Mawer says right now the Food Bank is stocked and the organization is really focused on ensuring the Christmas dinner is a success and there is enough food for all. The event is put on solely by donations.

Doors open at 4:00 pm, at St Louis Parish Hall (4904 50th street), with dinner served at 5:00 pm. Kids that have pre-registered by December 2nd will receive a gift from Santa.