The Burnaby Rotary Club is treating local families to a sit-down Christmas dinner with all the fixings.
The annual dinner takes place at West Burnaby United Church on Monday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. This year, there are plenty of seats available at the tables for families in need.
“We’re putting a call out citywide,” said Rotary’s Pamela Gardener. “There are 30 spots still available. There’s lots and lots of food.”
Most families are invited or referred through the Burnaby Neighbourhood House, Maywood Community School and Burnaby Family Life, but Rotary is taking self-referrals and suggestions from the general public. The deadline to sign up families by Dec. 11.
“If there’s a need, if someone’s reading this and says my neighbour could use a dinner like this, that’s what we want, people to spread it far and wide,” Gardner said. “It’s about inclusiveness.”
The traditional Christmas dinner includes turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. Dr. Michael Boyd, a local ophthalmologist, donated enough to cover the dinner costs, and Rotary members volunteer to work in the kitchen and serve the meals. The Rotary club also buys enough presents so all the children attending get a visit with Santa and a present to take home. To nominate a family, email Gardner at [email protected] orcall 604-436-6092. Rotary volunteers need a first name only and the age and gender of children 12 and under so they can prepare enough toys.
Last year’s dinner served 130 people, and roughly two-thirds were children.
