Shuswap and Salmon Arm Rotarians will be working again this Christmas to provide
This will be the fifth year for the annual Dec. 25 feast, cooked up by the Shuswap, Salmon Arm and Daybreak clubs in partnership with First Community (First United) and St. Joseph鈥檚 Catholic Church in Salmon Arm and the Sorrento Centre.
The Shuswap club's John Hansen explained this year's event will be a bit different, with a greater emphasis on providing a festive, dine-in experience.
"I think people need to get together鈥� so we鈥檙e going to do sit down at those three locations (the two churches and Sorrento Centre), they can usually seat around about 100 to 115 in each of those locations," said Hansen, adding there will also be options for take away along with some deliveries.
The clubs currently plan on preparing 600 meals, with 400 of those to be available for dining in. Reservations for the Salmon Arm locations can be made by calling 250-804-8375, and for Sorrento Centre by calling 250-675-2421. Hansen said closer to the event, those who made reservations will be contacted to confirm they're still coming, "just so we have a pretty firm view on the numbers."
Tickets for take-out or delivery will be available at the Second Harvest food bank in Salmon Arm. With this option, Hansen said people fill out their name, address, etc., and if they'll be picking up or in need of delivery. If people wanting a ticket are unable to pick one up, they can call their local reservation number to arrange for one. To help reach seniors, Hansen said the clubs will be going through the Shuswap Better At Home program, which assists clients and other seniors living independently with non-medical supports, information, and referrals at this time.
As in the past, the turkeys will be prepared, cooked and carved by the Sorrento Centre for all three locations, while traditional trimmings will be prepared at all three locations.
Hansen is hoping to have Christmas music and decorations to make the dine-in option more festive.
For more information about this year's Rotary Christmas dinner, call or text Kimberly at 250-804-8375.
