The team at HUB International on Second Avenue South is hosting the 20th Seniors Christmas Dinner on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
The dinner will be hosted at the Sacred Heart Hall from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 p.m.
The annual seniors dinner has remained popular ever since, with 200 tickets to this year’s event already sold out.
“It was such a hit we did it every year,” said Sandy Callander, who helped spearhead the first-ever dinner in 2000 after it was a success in her former community of Hope. There was a three-year hiatus during COVID-19, making this the 20th celebration.
Callander said they’re excited for this year’s event as it is being held at a new venue, complete with dinner, live music and a Christmas gift for each senior, all included in the $10 tickets.
Shari Wahl agreed that along with being excited about the new venue, it’s nice to offer a Christmas dinner for the local seniors.
“It’s a great way for HUB and the community to give back to the town,” said Wahl.
Roger Gysel, deemed “Mr. Williams Lake of HUB” by his colleagues, is the head chef for the event, taking care of the kitchen and meals.
He knows everyone and he’s very community-minded, Callander and Wahl said.
Along with the Second Avenue HUB team, which does all the cooking, cleaning, setup and take down for the dinner, the RCMP will serve at the event, with plenty of coffee, tea and cider for everyone.
Donations to the food bank will be accepted at the Christmas dinner, something that hasn’t been advertised in past years, but seniors assumed and brought in donations anyway, said Callander and Wahl, making the event full circle.
“With the help of other community members and businesses in town, each senior is able to leave with a Christmas present,” said Wahl.
