By Treena Mielke
Helping others to have a merry Christmas no matter their circumstance, has prompted two volunteers from Rimbey to step up to the plate and put on a community Christmas dinner.
The dinner will be held at the Rimbey branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on Christmas Day between 2 and 4 p.m.
For those who would like to attend the dinner, but have no transportation, Lyle’s Taxi (403-783-1668) and Rimbey Handibus (403-843-7733) will provide free service.
Susan Collins, who is organizing the dinner along with help from Rob (who asked that his last name not be published) and her mother, Jean Lawson, said several local businesses have helped with donations, including food and gifts for door prizes.
“We take whatever they want to offer, but we’re not really asking. Just whatever they want to give is fine. We’ve also had a lot of people volunteer to help.”
She and Rob also organized a dinner last year with close to 50 people in attendance. The meal was delivered to a couple of people who could not attend due to health issues.
Collins said the dinner is simply a way of giving people at home a place to go who might otherwise find themselves sitting.
“We just want them to feel special. It can be a rough time of year. Lots of people get laid off and sometimes people find themselves alone.”
Collins, who is a single mom and grandma with children ranging in age from 14 to 27, is pleased to be able to give, especially during the holiday season.
“I’ve been down that rocky road myself and I really think if we could all learn to give a little, it would be a little easier for us all and the world would be a better place.”
For more information about the dinner call Susan at 403-963-0764 or 403-843-3179.