Christmas in Grand Forks is truly unique
By Contributor
While the Christmas season has passed the opportunity to celebrate the volunteers of the area cannot be missed. In their usual grand style volunteers shared their true spirit of the season at the 30th Annual Grand Forks Community Christmas Dinner on, when else, Christmas Day. Opening the celebration, Mayor Brian Taylor brought greetings from the City of Grand Forks. Taylor commented on the dinner that is, “unique to Grand Forks. How many other communities put on a community celebration like this?” Over 400 people were well fed from a menu that included turkey, ham, potatoes, sweet potatoes and turnips as well as lots of desserts. Volunteers also deliver the meal out to the border guards and RCMP who work year-round in the community, even on Christmas Day. “I talked to a gentleman from Summerland who was passing through Grand Forks on Christmas Day and came in,” said co-ordinator and Master of Ceremonies George Longden. “He couldn’t believe that a little town like Grand Forks could put on such a community celebration.” Each year the volunteers put together a community dinner, served at noon, entirely for free for anyone who comes in the door. “It is a very interesting experience,” continued Longden, “we have a group of sixteen co-ordinators who meet weekly starting in November to plan the event. On the 24th a larger group of volunteers transform the gymnasium at the Gospel Chapel. On the 25th more volunteers serve food, coffee and tea as well as desserts. It’s a great experience for everyone.” When asked if there was anything that they will do different next year, Longden suggested that more volunteers would be helpful. “It’s an opportunity to share in the real meaning of Christmas,” he stated.
Anyone interested in supporting next year’s can contact Longden, or any of the volunteers you may know to learn how you can help this truly giving event.
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