ATHABASCA — It’s the return of the Athabasca Community Christmas Dinner.
For 27 years, the Athabasca Ministerial Association held the highly popular event feeding 1,150 in 2019 alone and now that things have opened up again, the dinner is back Dec. 15 at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex starting at 4:30 p.m.
“We're always looking for monetary donations," said co-organizer Bev Topola in a Nov. 9 interview, “There is also a freewill offering at the dinner.”
Everyone is encouraged to attend and there’s no set price for the meal.
“If you can't pay, that's perfectly fine, too. Anyone and everyone are invited,” she said.
Santa’s Anonymous and the Good Samaritan Mission Food bank will also be accepting donations at the supper which will be in the Fieldhouse with children’s activities as well, including a visit from Joey the Clown.
“There is a particular need for gifts for children who are one to four years old and 11 to 14 years old.”
To pull the event off, a lot of hands are needed so the group is looking for volunteers to work various shifts starting at 9 a.m. You can sign up by calling or texting Karen Wintonyk at 780-689-0779 or e-mail [email protected].
“All of the work is done on a volunteer basis, and we've always had wonderful volunteers and stuff, but we are always looking for people to volunteer on that day,” Topola said. "We're looking at a good 12-hour day for us.”
From food preparation to setting up and taking down tables and chairs, decorating and other activities, there’s many tasks on the list.
“It's so well attended; we've got music playing there, we've got a kid’s corner where they can do crafts, while parents are visiting and that sort of stuff," she said. “And we do have takeout so if you aren't able to actually stay – of course, we would like to promote that people stay and visit and stuff – but if you aren't able to stay, we do take out as well.”
The doors open Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. and food will be served until 6:30 p.m. or until it runs out, whichever comes first.
