With the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau’s 20th-annual community Christmas dinner slated for this coming Tuesday (Dec. 25) at Knox United Church, organizers are thrilled with the support they’ve seen.
“Things are coming together very, very well,” dinner committee co-ordinator Josie Patrick said yesterday, adding that ads in the Daily Bulletin and Times have kept the upcoming dinner foremost in many people’s minds.
“People are still phoning in, they’re devoting their time, they’re bringing in turkeys, hams—it’s all coming together so nicely,” Patrick remarked. “We are going to have a wonderful, wonderful community dinner.”
At this point, she added, there’s no danger of a shortage of people or food for the dinner, which will run from noon-2 p.m. on Christmas Day.
But volunteers still are welcome to sign up for jobs ranging from decorating and clean-up to cooking, serving food, and delivering “Meals on Wheels.”
“It’s never too late. They can call us right up until the day of,” Patrick stressed.
As in past years, the community Christmas dinner will feature a delicious buffet meal, festive dining music, and (rumour has it) an appearance by Santa Claus and some of his elves.
Last year’s dinner drew about 250 people. This included 42 “Meals on Wheels,” which volunteers delivered to local shut-ins.
Those who would like a meal delivered to them on Christmas Day should contact the Volunteer Bureau before Tuesday.
Organizers also are arranging to provide a ride service for those who may need a lift to the church on Christmas Day.
To volunteer your time, or request a meal delivery or ride to the church on Christmas Day, call Patrick or event co-chair Debbie Bazylewski at 274-9555, or drop by the old CN station between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
< *c>Fundraiser raffle
The Volunteer Bureau also held a raffle as a fundraiser for the community Christmas dinner, which was drawn for yesterday afternoon.
The raffle prizes included:
•a handcrafted tree quilt with rack donated by Winnie Rousseau (won by Carol Spuzak);
•a gift basket with hand-painted stemware and other items donated by Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau staff (won by Janet Leonard); and
•a gift basket full of scrapbooking supplies, donated by Kathy Dolph of This ’n That (won by Marilyn Horsman).
These prizes had been on display at Causeway Insurance prior to the draw.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
