In an effort to ensure that nobody is alone during the holidays, two Christmas dinners will be served locally for those in need of a free meal.
Trinity Community Table in Cambridge continues its tradition on Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as over 100 volunteers prepare a turkey dinner with all the fixings.
“People that come are our guests and all are welcome. No one is denied,” says Cheryl Kewley, secretary at Trinity Community Table.
“We expect about 150 people this year.”
For over 30 years, Trinity Community Table has provided free Christmas meals. Due to the pandemic, last year was the first time, meals were served for take-out.
“Every year, it’s a big sit-down affair where everyone is served and Santa arrives with gifts. Last year was our first take-out meal and that will be the same this year, with a free turkey dinner and some sandwiches to take along as well,” Kewley said.
Since 1992, Trinity Community Table, a community outreach program, provides meals three days a week to anyone in need. Meals are served in the parish hall of Trinity Anglican Church.
“We are completely run by volunteers, and we work in partnership with the local food banks. We’ve had toiletries, winter wear, and turkeys donated. It really is a community.” Kewley said.
“I’ve been organizing the Christmas dinner event for the last two years and everything is covered again this year. We are like one big family.”
Kewley has been involved with serving meals at Trinity Community Table for over 25 years.
“We still provide meals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays which includes sandwiches and fresh fruit. We are so happy to be able to provide this,” Kewley said.
“We just want to feed those in need.”
The Cambridge Mill will also be hosting a free holiday dinner on Christmas Eve from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“We’ve been hosting the Cambridge Shelter Corporation for about five years now and that’s pretty great,” says Cambridge Mill restaurant manager, Michelle Smith.
Cambridge Shelter Corporation which operates The Bridges, an emergency shelter and drop-in centre, helps meet the needs of of individuals experiencing homelessness in Cambridge by providing safe shelter, programs, and services.
“We’ve worked with people from the Cambridge Shelter Corporation for a very long time. We are so passionate about the people in this area and we want to continue to donate our food and time," Smith said.
For Smith, there is no better time than Christmas to be able to give back and provide a free Christmas meal to those who need one.
‘We’ve always been so excited to give back what we receive. It’s a great opportunity to see the many faces of Cambridge,” Smith said.
Typically, Smith says the traditional dinner is served buffet style but due to government regulations and having to provide proof of vaccination, meals will be available for take-out.
“This year, we are set up for a buffet style dinner. Some people might suffer from social anxiety so they are free to take meals with them. We are still navigating through the different options,” Smith said.
The Cambridge Mill serves about 200 Christmas meals annually.
“This month, we have been asking our dinner guest for donations of winter items such as gloves and hats as part of our “Bubbles for Bridges” campaign. When guests donate, they receive a complimentary glass of champagne,” Smith said.
Smith says everyone is invited to the annual free Christmas meal.
“We want people to know that we are here and not just at Christmas. The Cambridge Mill building might seem intimidating, but we want everyone to know that they can come in and use the washroom or have a cup of coffee. I am no stranger to the experience of homelessness. I’ve been close to it. There is nothing worse than feeling the loneliness,” Smith said.
“What might seem like a small thing for us, might be a big thing for others. This is about giving back.”
