The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Rimbey at the United Church on Dec. 25 during a community dinner.
About 50 people attended the event which included a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings, entertainment and presents for all.
“We only had about 50 people but we had food for 75 or so,” said Dave Davies, who has been involved in the community dinner for five years.
Davies said everyone enjoyed the meal.
“It was good, we had lots of delicious food and everyone got a gift and a little story.”
Davies said he read the story ‘The Tablecloth’, an inspirational story of a man and his wife who find each other after being separated by the war thanks to a tablecloth.
Davies, an 85-year-old Rimbey resident, said helping others enjoy Christmas is enjoyable for him.
Gayle Rondeel, who worked with Davies to organize the event said the volunteers were amazing and everyone pitched in a helped.
“We had a really good group of volunteers and it all went really well. Everyone that was there got to take left over’s home with them.
Donations for gifts came from local donors including Stationery Stories and Sounds and Vi Schneider played the piano.
“There were games and door prizes and lots of laughs. The volunteers were all wonderful people to work with. Every year they just show up.”
Although organizing the community dinner takes Rondeel away from her own family, the community minded lady said it is all worth it.
“It’s Christmas. There is always time for family and friends.”