‘No one will be turned away’ - Servant's Heart Christmas Dinner in Peace River

Anyone looking for a place to have a warm Christmas dinner in Peace River will be welcomed with open arms at this year’s Servant’s Heart Christmas Dinner. Dinner will be held at TA Norris School’s Gymnasium on December 23rd, doors open at 5pm and dinner begins at 6pm

“Everyone deserves a Christmas dinner,” says part organizer Sandra Laforest. “It’s one way we can make it happen.” Laforest is partnering with local philanthropist Paul Hebert to organize dinner to ensure everyone can enjoy a hot meal over the holiday season. Dinner is free for all participants.

“There will be a craft table for the kids,” says Laforest. “There is also singing and of course the food.”

Dinner includes meat pies (bought from a local fundraiser), ham, mashed potatoes, carrot salad, corn, bun, stuffing, gravy, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and dessert. “It’s 100 percent free and everyone is welcome,” she says.

The event is expected to feed between 300 and 400 people and Laforest estimates it will cost between $2,500 and $3,500. There are also other expenses such as a $35 fee that is paid to the school to pay for the insurance and also a small surcharge that is required to pay for the caretaker.

In addition, all children who participate in the evening meal receive a gift. She says they welcome any food or gift donations that people are willing to give. They expect to buy over 80 pounds of potatoes, eight hams, 22 dozen buns and all the other supplies, so any financial help is welcome. With an event of this magnitude, it is clear that Laforest will also need many volunteers.

“We need a lot of people to prep, cook, help clean up, and serve dinner guests,” she says. “Any help would be absolutely great.”

Laforest explains that she will start some preparations before then. So if anyone would like to help before dinner please contact them with your available times.

She reiterates that no one will be turned away, everyone is welcome to the free evening and will receive a warm meal.

Donations can be made by calling or texting Paul at (780) 219-7978 or emailing [email protected]. Any interested volunteers can book or make food donations by calling Laforest at (780) 625-2641. Donations of food or gifts can also be made to The Salvation Army after December 17th.

Emily Plihal Reporter for the Local Journalism Initiative – South Peace News – southpeacenews.com