By Cailin Cousins / Got News Network

Serving seniors so much more than Christmas dinner

Oct 9, 2018 | 3:26 PM

WILLIAMS LAKE – It’s almost time for a highlight in the community’s social calendar; the highly-anticipated HUB International Barton Insurance annual Senior Christmas Gathering Dinner in Williams Lake is taking shape. 

What started as a holiday event for about 25 seniors in the community, has grown to a full blown Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for 280 people in a much larger venue.  “People start calling the office around March, asking for dinner tickets – they ‘re just that excited about it,” says Sandy Calendar, who spearheaded the very first dinner 18 years ago.  “When I lived in another community, owners of an Italian restaurant used to do something similar,” she explains, adding that she suggested it to HUB when she began working there, and it was immediately embraced by the company.

On the 10th anniversary of the Senior’s Dinner, organizers agreed that it would be nice to be able to present gifts to the diners, as well.  By fundraising with various silent auctions throughout the year, generous donations from insurance companies, and staff taking advantage of sales throughout the year, each senior now takes a lovely gift home with them.

For many years, members from the RCMP community have attended in their red serge to serve meals and distribute gifts.  In recent years local Conservations Officers and members of the BC Sherriff Service have joined in the service.  The seniors love socializing with members of the law enforcement community, and even have their photo taken with some.

As part of a  variety of entertainment throughout the evening,  Les Anderson sings Christmas carols, which have been known to motivate a few energetic souls to get up and dance.   This year, Les will be joined by ten members of the youth fiddlers group.  Santa Claus himself also makes an appearance, and tries to visit with each table before the end of the festivities.

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The same menu has been embraced for all 18 years; baked ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables, buns and coleslaw.  For dessert, a 4×8 foot, wonderfully decorated cake is cut and delivered to everyone at their tables.   “The cider Monica makes has been a hit from day one,” Sandy adds.

Approximately 20 local staff members volunteer many hours to make this a seamless event each year.   From shopping and volunteering at fundraisers, to carefully constructing the gift bags, and then serving, cleaning and making sure the actual dinner is as close to perfect for their guests as possible.  “ It’s just a joy to be a part of,” remarks Sandy, adding they get so many hugs from people they don’t know, thanking them.   “People whose first year it is attending, say they’ll never miss it again – and they don’t,” she says with a grin.

More information will be available soon regarding the last silent auction fundraiser at the end of October, at the HUB International main office.  They have been collecting a bevy of treasures they know will be popular and fun for the community to bid on.