Local residents Dave and Jean Anderson are once again hosting a community Christmas dinner on Dec. 25.
The Andersons stress the event, which will begin at 1pm at the Harriston-Minto Community Centre, is open to everyone who would like to attend.
“If you are alone or just don’t feel like cooking; if you have already celebrated with your family, or if your family lives far away; come and join the community for a homecooked meal, some fellowship and celebrate the true meaning of the season,” the couple states in material promoting the free event.
The Andersons, who celebrate Christmas with their families on days other than Dec. 25, hosted the dinner for the first time last year, having no idea what kind of a turnout to expect.
On Dec. 25, 2016, between 140 and 150 people, including volunteer helpers, enjoyed a traditional Christmas meal, while another 25 meals were delivered to shut-ins or people working on Christmas Day.
“It was successful. It was everything we wanted,” Jean told the Wellington Advertiser following the event.
While most of the attendees last year were from the local community, some came from further afield, including Wingham, Hanover and Belwood.
Although there is no charge to attend, numerous cash donations were received, both before and at the 2016 dinner, and a surplus of about $2,000 was split between the food banks in Harriston, Palmerston and Clifford.
While meal delivery is also available, the Andersons encourage everyone interested to join them at the event.
To register for the dinner or to request a delivered meal contact Jean at 519-505-5914 or jeanurse1@gmail.com.
