Christmas meal for those in need provided by local developer

Michael Dunn (fourth from left) and members of his family, some coming from the Fonthill area, helped out with his Holiday Dinner Giveaway last Saturday morning at Amherstburg town hall.

The holiday season has arrived and those in need got an opportunity to get their Christmas meal looked after.

The fifth annual Holiday Dinner Giveaway took place last Saturday morning at a new location this year. The giveaway was at the Amherstburg Community Hub in previous years but was switched to Amherstburg town hall this year. Drivers drove in through the Gore St. entrance, came through the back parking lot and had their vehicles loaded up with turkey, ham, potatoes, carrots and other necessities, and left through the Seymour St. exit.

Local developer Michael Dunn and his family sponsored the dinner giveaway, with Dunn and many of his family members on hand helping to volunteer.

Members of town council and administration were also available to help give away food items and smoke alarms that came through. 

Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) put together food bags that went along with the turkeys and hams to help provide those in need with a complete meal. Dunn made a donation to ACS as part of the giveaway.

Dunn pointed out he had family members, including several grandchildren, come to the area from Fonthill to help volunteer at the dinner giveaway. He also thanked the Town of Amherstburg for assisting.

“I don’t think we could have done it without them,” said Dunn. “I know we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Dunn credited manager of economic development, tourism and culture Jennifer Ibrahim for helping to organize the event. 

In all, 200 turkeys were up for grabs and Dunn said he keeps doing it as a way to help those who need it.

“It’s nice to give back to the community that’s been good to me,” said Dunn.

This year’s Holiday Dinner Giveaway was dedicated to Dorothy and Lee Nelson. Dunn said Lee Nelson is one of his former employees and Dorothy was his wife, and he wanted to dedicate the meal giveaway in their memories as they were long-time Amherstburg residents.

“Lee and I worked together for a number of years,” said Dunn. “They were very nice people.”

Dunn added he enjoys giving back to the community every year.

“It’s very heartwarming to be able to give back,” he said. “I’m so happy my family is sharing in this giveaway as well.”

Mayor Michael Prue said the giveaway was all due to the generosity of Dunn and his family, calling it “a cherished tradition, bringing joy to our community and exemplifying the true spirit of giving during the holiday season.”

“Michael Dunn should really be commended for doing this,” he added.

Prue remarked that not only were people driving up, many were walking up as well or coming by on bicycle.

“You can see there is a need in the town,” said Prue.

The mayor added he recognized some of the people coming through, adding there were also others assisting their neighbours.

“I know they are in need,” he said. “God bless them, they were here today.”

Prue added he was thankful to see so many town staff members giving up their Saturday mornings to volunteer, adding they were smiling and singing Christmas carols during the morning.

“Being a part of this wonderful holiday program warms our hearts,” said ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo. “Families that require assistance are relieved to know they can celebrate with a complete meal. This eases one of their stresses during the holiday season, and makes the holiday  season a joyous time for everyone.”

Christmas meal for those in need provided by local developer

By Ron Giofu