Christmas meal at the gathering place this year

The Gathering Place
News Release

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For many years, residents of North Bay who found themselves alone or in need at Christmas have been blessed by the knowledge that a hot Christmas meal and the warm fellowship of the season are available. For many years, this meal was provided thanks to the outstanding efforts of the parishioners of St. Brice’s. More recently, a large group of volunteers from across the community has provided this Christmas meal to their neighbours in the warmth of the Pro-Cathedral parish hall. Throughout the years, such a meal was only possible because of the leadership and considerable personal contributions of the organizing committees. These individuals, initially from St. Brice’s and lately from the broader community, are owed an immense debt of thanks.

During the past week, we at the gathering place have been made aware that the previous organizers find themselves unable to organize this holiday tradition this year. We share the community’s gratitude for their many years of commitment and have undertaken to facilitate, early in 2010, the long-overdue process of creating a permanent Christmas Dinner Committee drawn from across our community. The success and stability of the Santa Fund shows the wisdom of this approach.

As Christmas Day occurs on a Friday this year, the gathering place will be open to our neighbours-in-need for a festive meal. As at Thanksgiving, we will provide additional seasonal touches to the extent that our resources permit. The board, staff and many volunteers are all dedicated to making Christmas as special as possible for our patrons. As always, any neighbour who finds himself or herself in need of nutrition or fellowship is welcome at the gathering place for Christmas.

Jim Klein, Chair

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