After a one-year hiatus, Altona's popular Community Christmas Day Dinner is making a return this season.
Margarita moved to the community from Toronto two years ago and has taken over coordinating the over-30-year-old tradition.
It all started with a conversation during a volunteer shift at the Rhineland and Area Foodbank.
"I mentioned how growing up, my parents always took us to volunteer on Christmas Day at an organization called The Good Shepherd, and we would either be servers or what they would call Everyday Angels. And so, the children's job would be to sit with someone who was sitting alone and kind of engage them in conversation.
That individual that I was speaking to happened to be Ang Stoesz who had been doing the Christmas dinner for years and years and years (and) unfortunately, in her words, she aged out. So, as I'm talking, her grin is getting just bigger and bigger and bigger and the next thing you know, she tells me how it is an absolutely great idea and a great event and that we do have an event like that, and it would continue on if I did it. So, I said 'OK' and here I am."
In fact, the Everyday Angels concept is one that Margarita is bringing to the meal this year. It's just one of the jobs she's looking to fill with volunteers.
"The Altona Elks have committed to doing our third shift, which is our clean up shift," she explained. "So right now, we are looking for volunteers for our first shift, which includes kitchen prep and set up of the venue and our second shift, which is where we're having our greeters during our main event."
On deck for entertainment is Spkl Studio which will be bringing a jazzy musical vibe, noted Margarita, and Callum Morrison has offered to donate his musical talent as well.
Additionally, drivers have been arranged to pick-up and drop-off those who may not be able to get to and from the dinner on their own. A ride-share option could also be available. These details have yet to be fleshed out and Margarita says they will be made public next week.
Between 300 and 350 people are expected to take advantage of the traditional hot holiday meal being offered on Christmas Day, many of them seniors. Because of that, Margarita has added another new element to the dinner, specifically geared towards the senior population.
"We are going to be going out into the community and doing a senior craft day, and we will be inviting them to come help us put together centerpieces for the event," she explained. "I feel like it just kind of encourages them not only to come out but, also, it gives them a piece of ownership of the event which really, it belongs to the people, it belongs to the community."
For those unable to volunteer that day, you can still support the dinner by making a financial contribution. Donations are being accepted at Access Credit Union where a charity account has been set up.
The dinner itself is free of charge, but donations are being accepted in support of the Rhineland Empty Stocking Fund
"They are our good friends and that is a partnership that has been going on for years and years and years and one that we want to continue forward," explained Margarita.
As well, a local family in need will be selected to share in a portion of that donation.
The Altona Community Christmas Day Dinner is happening at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre on Christmas Day, December 25th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those looking to volunteer can reach out by calling 204-304-6338 or by emailing altonachristmasdinner@gmail.com
With files from Zack Driedger