On Monday, Nov. 25, Quesnel junior school put on their fifth Annual Free Christmas Dinner. Approximately 160 guests attended the dinner, while 60 QJS Students and more than 30 adult volunteers were on hand to make sure the dinner ran smoothly. Students were involved in all aspects of the dinner. They prepared and served the food, wrapped donated gifts, did all the set up, decorating and clean-up. Approximately 125 students were involved in preparing for the night of the dinner in one way or another. The Correlieu Jazz Band and Choir provided the entertainment throughout the evening. For the fifth year in a row, Santa was able to give out new toys to the children attending the dinner because of the community’s generous donations. Each year the dinner relies on student, staff, and parent volunteers, but without the following sponsors it would not be possible:
Save-On Foods donated all the food for the dinner (some employees were on hand helping the night of the dinner);
The Quesnel District Teachers’ Association (QDTA) provided food and refreshments for the students working the night of the dinner;
Integris Credit Union, McDonalds, Cariboo Taxi, Jean’s Catering and the Salvation Army provided the use of their equipment.
Also, thank you to all of the local agencies who distribute tickets each year; and all our volunteers who make this dinner possible. Thank you, as well, to all those members of the public who dropped off gifts.
– submitted by Diane Dougan, QJS