Christmas Dinners For All To Enjoy

Jeff Green | Dec 18, 2024

There are two Christmas dinners that have been running for years now in our region.

In Northbrook, Marylin Bolender started running a dinner 16 years ago, and with a hearty crew of volunteers, she is still at it today.

“We are very fortunate because the food itself is mostly donated, or we get financial donations to cover any food that we do have to buy,” she said. “For example, Milligan Meats is donating all the meat this year, which is huge.”

The Northbrook Christmas Dinner includes turkey and ham, stuffing, vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, deserts, tea and coffee, a full Christmas feast.

Starting at 11am, when punch will be on the menu (non alcoholic) Marg and Reg Cory will be on hand, singing for their lunch, and entertaining anyone who turns up for food and fellowship.

Dinner will be served at 12:30. There is no need to pre-register.

For those who are unable to come out for an eat-in, or even takeout dinner, volunteers are available to deliver. Please call in advance to 613-336-1573.

The dinner takes place at the Northbrook Lions Hall. It is not a Lions event, but the hall is provided to the dinner organisers free of charge.

Verona Lions’ Dinner

Two couples, Doug and Joyce Casement, and John and Sheila Steele, have spent the last 13 Christmas Days cooking up a community dinner at the Verona Lions Hall. But this year, they decided to step back, and the Verona Lions have stepped in this year.

“The amazing thing about this dinner,” said Doreen Morey of the Verona Lions, “is that everything that we need has been donated, from the turkeys all the way to the potatoes. All of the pies are being provided, everything. All we have to do is buy some spices, and cook the food.”

Just like in Northbrook, everyone is welcome to come out to the dinner on Christmas day.

“If anyone knows they are coming in advance, we would be happy if they called us,” said Morey, “so we have an idea how many are coming, but we will welcome anyone who comes on the day, and there will be plenty for all.”

People with special needs, or are shut-ins, are invited to call as well, so organisers can make arrangements for them. The contact phone numbers are 613-929-7445 or 613-539-6662.

In addition to turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, the dinner at the hall will be a family event. There will be crafts and games for kids of all ages, starting at 10:30am, and dinner will start at noon.

There is no reason to stay at home on Christmas Day. Come join the party in Verona and Northbrook.