A free volunteer-run dinner makes its annual return to Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Langford this Saturday, offering up an evening of camaraderie and full stomachs for more than 200 people on the West Shore.
“It is a time of cheer and a service for the community,” said Westsong Community Church pastor George Kogan. “The goal is to provide cheer and companionship for those in need. There are physical needs in the community, but also the need to know someone cares and the fellowship and support in that way. We’re hoping to provide that service to the community once again.”
Between 40 and 50 volunteers plate, serve and clean up more than 220 turkey dinners with all the fixings: mashed potatoes, carrots, brussels sprouts and pumpkin pie. The meal is served to the merry tunes of Santa’s Saxes, which will serenade the visitors.
“It can be a tough season for a lot of people for many reasons. It’s very rewarding to reach out and be the presence of comfort and support to those in our community,” Kogan said.
Food is cooked at the Salvation Army kitchen downtown and transported by volunteers on Saturday morning. Everything is donated by community members, churches and businesses.
Kogan said the event is open to everyone, not simply those who might otherwise go without a special Christmas meal.
Doors open Dec. 6 at the Our Lady of the Rosary Hall, 798 Goldstream Ave. at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6. For more information, contact Westsong Community Church at 250-474-5967.
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