Christmas and community spirit is a powerful combination, exemplified in Chemainus by the traditional Willie and Jean Fyffe Memorial Christmas dinner.
The event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID and was on track to resume last December 25, but got cancelled again at the last minute.
“Last year, we were all set to go because it was open,” said organizer Esther Craig of lifted restrictions. “Three days before Christmas, Bonnie Henry closed it down, no public gatherings.”
Fortunately, with all the food already in the works, Craig and her volunteers managed to arrange a takeout system that proved successful for so many people to enjoy.
“We had a ball doing that last year,” noted Craig. “We had a lot of people living on the street come in for food.”
Vaccination cards were checked and all necessary precautions were taken to ensure everyone was safe and the food was dispensed for takeout in an orderly manner.
Now, things are back to normal, as preparations are being made for the return of the Fyffe dinners that make it an unsurpassed convergence of great food and camaraderie.
“The last time we had a full sit-down was 2019,” Craig indicated. “Everybody’s been calling and looking forward to it.”
The premise is for no one to be left alone on Christmas and to enjoy the company of others even for those who have relatives or friends around.
It takes place at the Chemainus Legion Hall from 1-3 p.m. on Christmas Day and again on Boxing Day with the leftovers. Turkeys and hams are donated by friends of the Legion.
There’s no charge, but those able to make a donation are welcome to do so.
“It’s open to everyone,” stressed Craig. “We certainly do encourage people to come and have a good time. Don’t be alone.”
Members of the Chemainus Legion and Rotary Club of Chemainus are instrumental in making it happen, along with Craig’s crew of efficient volunteers.
“I’ve got quite a few volunteers,” Craig stressed. “There’s quite a few people come in the door on Christmas Day and say ‘what can I do to help?’”
The meal will be a buffet style, served by volunteers.
“We’re going to encourage them to come out one table at a time,” Craig added.
Everyone will be asked to bring a mask, she added, and wear it when walking around and during the lineup to get food.
There will also be entertainment provided by the Can’t Count Trio. The trio sometimes contains up to five musicians, thus the reason for the name of the group.
It all promises to be a festive gathering with small town flair and Craig is as enthusiastic as ever about it.
“We’re all ready to go,” she said. “Everything’s coming together nicely.”
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