The annual Rotary Senior’s Christmas Turkey Dinner saw well over 300 folks fed a free holiday meal accompanied by an entertaining evening in the 100 Mile Community Hall on Dec. 2.
Rotary Club of 100 Mile House president Linda Jefferson says that by the following morning she had already heard from many that the local seniors who attended really enjoyed both the Christmas turkey dinner and the fun, social outing.
“It was amazing – it was a lot of fun. We had Santa and Mrs. Claus show up, and we had a 55” T.V. donated by the South Cariboo Truckers Association, so we did a raffle for that, which everybody enjoyed.”
The 320 seniors served isn’t a surprise to the Rotary Club, however, with the local event always held on the first Saturday of each December and all the free tickets typically snapped up within a couple of days, she explains.
“We always put them out the Thursday two weeks before, and they are usually gone by that Saturday.”
Jefferson says the roasted turkeys and salads were prepared in the Valley Room’s commercial kitchen by the Rotary members, who also had lots of fun during their long day at the ovens, and everything else from vegetables to dessert provided, once again, by BJ Donuts & Eatery.
Peter Thorne of Slapback Music Productions did an “amazing job” and had some of the seniors singing along and tapping toes, she adds.
For some seniors, this may be their biggest social event of the year. Plenty of people look forward to this evening and meal, but particularly those who might not otherwise get a turkey dinner over the holidays, which is known to be a lonely time for some seniors.
Jefferson says rides are always available for any who needs one.
“We fundraise throughout the year and we do get some donations but we always make sure we have enough to cover it,” Jefferson explains.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Rotary Club membership may call Linda Jefferson at 250-706-9662 (New Roads Nutrition).
Those who want to be sure to get free tickets for next year’s Rotary Senior’s Christmas Turkey Dinner can note it on their calendars now – it is slated for Dec. 1, 2018.