Flood hasn’t dampened Salvation Army’s plans for Christmas dinner
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - Michelle Strutzenberger
As in the past three years, the Salvation Army church will again be offering a full-course turkey dinner for homeless and disadvantaged people on Christmas day.

Although the church was hit quite hard by the July 15 flood, it is now running about 85 per cent of its previous activities, according to Major Greg Simmonds, Corps Officer/Pastor. The Christmas dinner is one of those activities that will be going full-steam ahead, he says.

In past years, about 150 people have received the Christmas dinner at the church. This year Major Simmonds isn’t sure what to expect in terms of numbers. Because some of the other church activities have not continued due to the flood, it hasn’t been possible to get the word out about the dinner to as many people this year. On the other hand, there’s a possibility that the flood could increase numbers.

"Some people are having to place their limited resources in another area this year rather than on Christmas dinner or gifts," says Major Simmonds.

Certainly it appears that the flood has affected the need for help in other areas this holiday season, according to the major. Every Christmas the church distributes food and toy hampers to those who apply for them.

This year the number of applications for hampers is significantly higher. "We have 60 more applications this year," says Major Simmonds. "This could certainly be related to the flood as well." As of Dec. 20, 2,127 hampers or Christmas certificates had been distributed.

The church is ready for large numbers to enjoy the dinner, however. As in past years, more than enough volunteers have offered their services for the day.

"We just have so many people who want to help," says Major Simmonds. "That’s something that’s really commendable about this community."

Major Simmonds believes it’s important to continue offering the Christmas dinner. Not only is it a time to give people a good meal and a small, practical gift, it is also an opportunity to offer them a chance to get together with other people, to socialize, and to see that others care about them, he says.

"When we think of Christmas, we think of a season of the year where everyone seems happier, more obliging, congenial," he says. "And here (at the Salvation Army) we like to see that same feeling extended to those who are disenfranchised, those who are alone. If we can somehow make their Christmas season a little happier and more hopeful, maybe we’re contributing to the goodwill and peace on earth that is promised."