For 20 years on Christmas Day, North Shore Neighbourhood House has been somewhere for people who might have had nowhere to go.
Approximately 40 volunteers are gearing up to baste, mash, simmer, chop and serve the neighbourhood house’s 21st annual Christmas meal.
“It’s just a very joyful event,” says North Shore Neighbourhood House executive director Lisa Hubbard.
Approximately 200 guests are expected to pack the community hub at 225 East Second Street this Dec. 25.
The turnout for the organization’s first dinner in 1996 was much smaller, attracting about 40, according to Hubbard.
While the house welcomes immigrants, seniors, and people without much money, the meal also caters to people who just need some company.
“Some people don’t even want to come for the lunch, they just come to have a cup of coffee or tea and just see people,” Hubbard explains.
For both guests and volunteers, the event has become a tradition, according to Hubbard.
“We have so many people on the North Shore who are interested in helping for this event,” Hubbard said. “We’re full for volunteers.”
Trish Alsop, North Shore Neighbourhood House’s communications director, agrees.
“People are so generous at this time, we get sometimes more than we need.”
After doing a few hours of preparation on Christmas Eve, the volunteers – most of whom are familiar with the routine – show up a little after 8 a.m. on Christmas Day.
The guests tend to arrive around noon and the turkey and trimmings are on the plate by about 1 p.m.
The volunteers usually clean the place up and head out around 4 p.m., according to Hubbard.
“It gives our volunteers a chance to come and help out but then they can also go to their own family Christmases,” Hubbard explains.
Having the meal at midday also benefits seniors who have trouble travelling at night, Hubbard says.
This year, the Pinnacle Hotel is handling the turkey, gravy and stuffing and Garden Works is slated to provide decorations.
When asked what it means to set the Christmas table at North Shore Neighbourhood House for two decades, Hubbard laughs.
“It means I’m getting old,” she says.
Hubbard emphasizes gratitude for the numerous donations to North Shore Neighbourhood House that make it possible for the annual meal.
“If someone says they don’t have anywhere to go, it’s nice for us to say: ‘Come here,’” she says.
Anyone in need this Christmas can contact North Shore Neighbourhood House at 604-290-3927.
