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Fyffe dinner fills a need on Christmas Day in Chemainus

Couples without family members in the vicinity and singles come together for food and camaraderie
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Everyone is welcome at the annual Fyffe Memorial dinner on Christmas Day at the Chemainus Legion Hall. (Photo submitted)

It’s a great Christmas tradition in Chemainus that remains as strong as ever.

The Willie and Jean Fyffe Memorial Christmas dinner will be held once again next Tuesday at the Chemainus Legion Hall. Doors open at noon and the dinner will be served at 1 p.m.

The community dinner started by the Fyffes has continued since their deaths, Willie in 2007 and Jean in 2012, thanks to a willing group of volunteers.

“There’s a lot of couples who don’t have family and singles that don’t have family here for one reason or another,” pointed out Esther Craig, who coordinates the effort.

Everyone is welcome. All that’s asked is to bring a favourite vegetable dish, salad or a specialty dessert.

“There’s a donation box if you don’t want to do any of that,” added Craig.

Turkeys and hams are supplied by friends of the Chemainus Legion.

The dinner typically attracts between 80 and 100 people, who always bring along their Christmas spirit with the food.

“I think it’s well-received,” said Craig. “It’s kind of a fun thing. We have a good time and it fills a need.”

There’s no time limit placed on how long anyone can stay. There’s music playing constantly and games after dinner.

It’s a labour of love for Craig and the other volunteers to put on the dinner.

“I’m really thankful for all the people that come and help,” she said. “I’ve had numerous calls already.”

To help out or for more information, contact Craig at 250-246-2422.

It’s almost a double barreled celebration, with the carcasses immediately boiled up to make soup. That’s served along with the leftovers for those who’d like to come out again on Boxing Day at the same time and the same location.

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There’s plenty of great food at the Fyffe Memorial Christmas Day dinner. Above, the dinner crowd at the Chemainus Legion. (Photos submitted)
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About 85 people attended last year’s Fyffe Memorial Christmas dinner at the Chemainus Legion Hall. (Photo submitted)
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Esther Craig and Wes Everitt at the Fyffe Memorial Christmas dinner. (Photo submitted)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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