About 140 members of the community joined 70 volunteers at the Kiwanis Christmas Dinner for Those Alone on Christmas Day at the Veiner Centre.--Submitted Photo
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
As has been tradition for more than 40 years, the three Kiwanis clubs in Medicine Hat came together to offer a Christmas Day dinner for those who would otherwise be spending the holiday alone.
Approximately 140 community members were invited out to spend the evening at the Veiner Centre, where roughly 70 volunteers chose to spend part of their holiday giving back. For many, this offered not only a meal, but a chance for companionship, conversation and the reassurance that they were not forgotten on a day that can be especially difficult for those experiencing isolation.
The dinner is made possible by the longstanding collaboration between Medicine Hat’s three Kiwanis clubs, the Downtown Kiwanis Club, the Golden K Kiwanis Club and the Gas City Kiwanis Club, as it has since 1981.
Planning begins months in advance and includes organizing volunteers, co-ordinating food preparation and managing the many details required to host a large community meal on Christmas Day.
As Medicine Hat continues to evolve, the need for connection remains constant. The Downtown, Golden K and Gas City Kiwanis Clubs remain committed to ensuring this tradition continues so no one has to spend Christmas alone.
Some members of the community have made this event their community in and of itself, attending every year as part of their holiday tradition.
The clubs expressed gratitude to all who attended and all who volunteered, keeping the 44-year-old event thriving through hard work and the spirit of co-operation.
Volunteers described the experience as deeply rewarding. While they initially came to give their time, many reported leaving with a renewed appreciation for the power of community and connection, and several noted that the simple act of sitting and talking with guests was as meaningful as serving the meal itself.
“After 44 years the Christmas Dinner for Those Alone stands as a powerful example of what community looks like in action,” said Ron Pennington with the Gas City Kiwanis Club. “Neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers giving freely and a shared belief that everyone deserves a place at the table.”
