Once again this year, an open and entirely free Community Christmas Dinner will be held in Kemptville on Christmas Day. Residents are invited, one and all, to drop by St. John’s United Church on Prescott Street in Kemptville, between noon and 2 pm to celebrate the day with friends and neighbours.
The Dinner has been held for a number of years now, and has always attracted a good crowd to enjoy the full turkey dinner and desserts, all of which is the work of volunteers and generous businesses in North Grenville. St. John’s has hosted the Dinner since Leslie Hall became unavailable a few years ago, and organisers are grateful to the congregation at St. John’s for opening their building to the community for this wonderful event.
The original idea for the Dinner was that it would provide an opportunity for those who might otherwise be alone, as well as all who might want to enjoy a Christmas Day social event, with company, fellowship and fun. The entire event is free of charge, because all of the food, cooking, preparation and serving is provided by the community – a fantastic example of what North Grenville is all about. There is even live music!
At the core of the event are four individuals, who wish to remain anonymous, who pull together the work of the volunteers and arrange the collection and preparation of the food. There is also a delivery service for those who can’t make it out to St. John’s on the day. Meals are delivered to homes around the region (by volunteer drivers, of course), so that everyone who wishes can be part of the event, even at a distance. An average of 35 deliveries are made each Christmas Day, so if you would like to have a Christmas meal brought to your home, call 613-223-3979, or else email: communitychristmasdinner613@gmail.com
There is also the option of a pick-up from St. John’s: just come to the venue during the hours of the Dinner and you can take away a complete meal or meals at your convenience.
This is a community event, designed simply to allow people to drop by and enjoy a lovely atmosphere, seasonal music, and a time of friendship with friends and neighbours, new and old. Oh yes, and a really fine Christmas meal. Be a part of this Christmas Day’s Community Dinner.
