Despite this being the first time she’s headed up organizing the community Christmas dinner, the executive director of the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau said the annual event is all ready to go tomorrow—with nary a stitch in the plans.
“Everything is going quite well,” Vanessa Hebert said yesterday afternoon.
“We’ve been setting up at Knox United Church [on Monday]. We’ve ordered what food we didn’t get from donations, but the turkeys and hams, we have all that,” she added.
“The community has been very generous, and we got lots of monetary donations,” Hebert said. “The last article in the [Dec. 18 Times] really got people’s attention.”
Hebert also noted getting volunteers to help out with the dinner hasn’t been a problem, with at least 30 signed up to work at the event and a sufficient number to deliver meals to shut-ins.
“Looking at the numbers from last year, we’re expecting about 200 people at the dinner. And there’s 55 ‘Meals-on Wheels’ to be delivered,” she added.
Hebert stressed everyone is welcome to attend the dinner, which runs tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m. at Knox United Church.
“With the community being as generous as they are with this dinner, it would be nice if more of the community come out for it,” she remarked. “Even if they’re not hungry, come on out for the sense of community.”
Jackie and Gerry Guimond, accompanied by David O’Dell, will provide the entertainment this year. Children also can keep occupied watching a video or colouring.
Hebert said those who wish to attend the dinner but don’t have a vehicle, or cannot afford a cab, either can call the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau and leave a message (274-9555) or call North Air Services’ “Dial-a-Ride” program (274-9741).
When calling “Dial-a-Ride,” be sure to tell the dispatcher you are going to Knox United Church for the Christmas dinner so they can bill the Volunteer Bureau.
