The Bonnyville Native Friendship Centre is preparing once again for their decades-long tradition of holding a free Christmas dinner for the community.
The dinner is scheduled for December 9th at the St. Louis Parish Hall beginning at 4, with dinner served at 5. True to the Christmas spirit, Santa will be there to give every child in attendance a Christmas present. He needs to know which kids are coming though, so make sure to have them registered by December 2nd so that they’re on his list.
“It is so much work, but it is very, very fulfilling,” says Pauline Mawer, who’s organizing the event. “I get excited about it. Especially when Santa comes and the kids. They all want to sit on his lap. He does take the time and speaks to each child and gives them a present with his or her name on it.”
The dinner will pull out out all the stops, with stuffing, mashed potatoes and plenty of desserts. MLA Scott Cyr and his family will be there to help serve out meals. Representatives from the town and MD as well as RCMP are likely to have some representation helping out as well. “It’s great for our community to see their leaders serving them. I think that’s a very good thing,” adds Mawer.
The Food Bank is calling for those who can afford to do so to make a donation to help make the dinner the best it can be. The centre saw around 250 people show up for their Thanksgiving meal and are expecting even more – perhaps upwards of 300 – to come for Christmas.