NEWS PHOTO JEREMY APPEL
Volunteers Hazel, Angelo, 10, and Kenny, 13, Moen take a break Tuesday from serving guests at the Cypress Centre to enjoy their Christmas lunch.
Medicine Hat News
The Kiwanis Club kept its Yuletide tradition alive this year by hosting its 38th annual Christmas meal at the Cypress Centre on Tuesday, with more than 80 community members volunteering as servers.
John John, one of the event’s six co-ordinators, said he expected to serve about 240 people, including volunteers who also get a free meal, that afternoon.
“Everything is just to give an opportunity for people who are alone to socialize on Christmas Day,” John said, adding that the event even had volunteers driving people to and from the Cypress Centre. “It’s an opportunity to see so many bright people come in.”
Natalie Finnemore, CFB Suffield’s public affairs officer, was one of the volunteers.
She said she sees the holiday season as a time to help others.
“It’s always a pleasure to come out every year and give back to my community,” said Finnemore. “This time of year brings to mind those who are in need, those who are alone, or perhaps those who are sick and it makes me want to give back through volunteering, so they feel loved and appreciated this time of year.”
Hatters are fortunate to have this type of community support system to ensure nobody has to spent Christmas alone, she added.
The event was MCed by Ken Sauer, who’s hosted it for more than 20 years.
He said he’s seen people build lasting friendships through attending the Christmas meal.
“This gives (guests) a chance to visit with their friends and some of the people they’ve met here over the years, so they become friends even if they don’t see each other every day,” said Sauer.
“It’s just a marvelous Christmas tradition that keeps people in the mood of Christmas, for giving and caring about others.”
