The McGregor Community Christmas Turkey Dinner saw a steady stream of people come in, get fed and enjoy the holiday season.
Over 700 people are estimated to have attended the Dec. 22 meal at the Columbian Club hall with some coming alone or with their spouses while others came as part of large families. It was the 28th annual event and saw about 600 people register for an in-person meal though take out meals were available for those living in the McGregor area.
Another 100 or so meals were available to those who arrived the day of the event, though the organizers preferred pre-registration to ensure enough food was prepared.
The Christmas dinner was sponsored by the McGregor Knights of Columbus #2844 and the Squirettes of Mary #1001.
Lisa Wallace, a counsellor with the Squirettes of Mary #1001, said they were happy to see so many people gather in one place and enjoy a meal together. She said take-out orders were limited to those who were nearby and unable to physically come in-person.
“We’ve gotten back to what it’s all about,” said Wallace.
The dinner is described as a community event where everyone was welcome to come in and enjoy a meal and each other’s company. While free to the community, donations to the Squirettes were accepted.
“It’s to give back to the community,” said Wallace. “It’s really important for people to have something to come to.”
Wallace noted the World Health Organization noted the impact of loneliness on mental health and the community turkey dinner helped relieve people of loneliness.
There are approximately 30 girls in the Squirettes of Mary #1001 and Wallace said events like the McGregor Community Christmas Turkey Dinner helps them pick up job skills. She said they are building up the abilities and skillsets of the girls all the while giving back to the community.
Preparations for the community meal got underway began the previous Friday and students took the day off from school to help the adult volunteers with the turkeys and the other parts of the meal. After a full-day Friday, work resumed Sunday morning with the potatoes and the remaining portions of the dinner.
In all, there were 60-70 volunteers that assisted with the dinner.
“It takes a lot of people (to present the dinner),” said Wallace.
The Squirettes will be hosting a Lobsterfest in the Spring, with Wallace adding events like that helping to fund initiatives like the Christmas dinner.
“Those fundraisers allow us to do these sorts of things,” she said.
By Ron Giofu
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