The Yuletide is the time of year for friends and family. Sadly, there are some community members who may not be able to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.
But there’s good news. The Stettler Old Fashioned Christmas Dinner is returning for a second year Dec. 22 at the Stettler Community Hall.
Volunteers and professional cooks Laurie Quast and Gerri McLean spearheaded the Old Fashioned Christmas Dinner last year in Stettler, and it’s returning for a second season.
The pair said they’d been thinking of organizing a community Christmas dinner for at least five years but didn’t know where to start. They didn’t have the funds themselves either.
Last year they decided to do it, and hit the pavement in Stettler looking for donations and volunteers. The community really embraced the idea, as 25 turkeys were served to about 100 guests. The pair of cooks are hoping even more people will attend this year.
The dinner is open to anyone, especially families that are struggling, homeless, seniors or anyone who is alone or away from family this year. The handibus is also available for anyone who doesn’t have a ride down to the community hall.
The cooks said the meal lives up to its name, as it is the classic Christmas meal: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, stuffing, salad and desert.
The meal is free of charge, but those interested in attending must contact Stettler FCSS and register (4720 50 St/Main Street or call 403-742-2337).
The cooks said they still have some donations left over from last year, but are also looking for some dollars this year. Cash donations are always best because they can be used for just about anything the event needs. Those who are interested in supporting the dinner can make a donation at the FCSS office on Main Street.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Both Santa Claus and The Grinch have been invited, and there will be gifts for the kids and door prizes available.
You can find more information about the event on Facebook by searching the social media site for “Old Fashioned Christmas Dinner.”