Community Christmas dinner another success

At least 150 people came to the table last Friday afternoon to share in the 11th-annual community Christmas dinner at Knox United Church here.
Another 51 meals were prepared and delivered to people who had requested to receive a Christmas dinner at their home.
Organizer Joan Pearson, with the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, said plans came together as she had anticipated. And she was still reeling Monday from the outpouring of volunteers who put themselves to work to help cook, serve, and clean up.
“I was absolutely overwhelmed by the volunteers,” Pearson enthused. “People came in and took charge [and] I didn’t have much delegating to do–that was great.
“The [dinner] really took on a life of its own,” she added.
“It’s [always] a good event and it brings a lot of people together,” agreed Diane Cherry, who has volunteered at the dinner for the last three years.
Pearson had no qualms about getting back into the thick of things for next year’s dinner, and already was taking note of some extra touches which could be added to the celebration.
“There were some suggestions on how to extend the day next year, perhaps with live entertainment,” she said. “And I’d like to have a greeter at the door and someone sitting there with a guest book for people to sign.”
Pearson also noted any surplus food left over was donated to the local United Native Friendship Centre.