Students and staff at Elgin Park Secondary are gearing up to host their eighth Community Christmas Dinner.
Set for Dec. 12 at the school, co-ordinator Michele Palmer said the event is an effort to reach out to those who might not otherwise have Christmas dinner, from seniors who have no family in town to families on low income.
Everyone is welcome to partake in the festivities, which are to include a full turkey dinner prepared and served by Grade 8-12 home-ec students and student entertainment.
However, space at the school –13484 24 Ave. – is limited to 150, said Palmer. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to RSVP 604-538-6678 – with their names, contact information and the number of guests who are attending – as soon as possible. The deadline to sign up is Dec. 7.
Palmer said doors will open at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. Guests must arrange for their own transportation, she added.
For Palmer, the dinner will be the first she’s involved with in a non-teacher role. She has co-ordinated the dinner since it began, but retired from EPS this past June.
Having seen the impact on the students who participate, she is hopeful it will continue.
“Really, the gift is for the students. It opens their eyes,” she said.