Retirement home ensures local first responders get traditional Christmas dinner
By Gillian Slade on December 20, 2017.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade It could make your heart sing. A local retirement residence cooks a hot turkey dinner for first responders that are working on Christmas Day. We seldom think about first responders until we need them but they are there 24/7, even on Christmas Day. Revera Meadowlands retirement residence says thank-you to first responders working Christmas Day at the fire service, paramedics, ambulance attendants, police and 911 operators. A flyer goes out weeks in advance to all of the above to determine how many workers will be on duty. A time is arranged for someone from each office to pick up the meals on Christmas Day. “We have had great interest in it from all the different groups throughout the years and usually feed around 30 on duty first responders from all the different services,” said Mariah Czember Revera Meadowlands, Medicine Hat. “It’s amazing. Most appreciated,” said Kevin Walcer, acting clinical operations manager EMS in Medicine Hat. “A very nice touch. Very much appreciated,” said Capt. Lane Lindsay, Medicine Hat Fire Service. Staff typically bring in a range of snacks to enjoy together but there is nothing quite like a hot turkey Christmas dinner to set the tone for the day, said Walcer. A supervisor normally collects the meals. This year a total of 21 people are working at EMS at some stage of the 24-hour period. This is the sixth year Meadowlands has provided the meals. It means a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings and dessert can be enjoyed with their second family, said Czember. “We think it’s important that these everyday heroes aren’t forgotten and are acknowledged at this always busy and stressful but special time of year,” said Czember. “I look forward to it every year and have the pleasure of thanking them for their service in person when they come to pick up their orders.” The EMS office is typically decorated for Christmas but it is not quite the same until everyone has enjoyed a hot Christmas dinner, said Walcer. In his 30-year career he has not heard about this offered to first responders in any other community. 14
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