Everyone welcome at free Christmas dinner

Church Out Serving provides a free Christmas Day luncheon at Riversyde 83, at 83 Sydenham Street in Simcoe. Email churchoutserving@gmail.com or call 519-428-1637 to reserve your spot. 

J.P. Antonacci

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Do you live in Norfolk County and not have plans on Christmas Day?

There is a seat for you at the free community meal hosted by local charity Church Out Serving at Riversyde 83 in Simcoe.

“We believe that on Christmas Day, everyone should have the opportunity to be seated around a table with family or friends and enjoy a festive dinner together,” said Eric Haverkamp, board chair of the faith-based community group.

Church Out Serving runs Simcoe’s homeless shelter and serves homemade dinners every Monday and Friday night throughout the year.

While much of the group’s work focuses on addressing housing shortages and food insecurity, Haverkamp stressed the free Christmas luncheon is open to residents of all income levels and belief systems.

Bringing people together on Christmas Day is another way for the organization to share food and fellowship, he said.

“For some, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate Christmas for people who would otherwise be alone. For others, it may just be the only opportunity to have a Christmas dinner at all.

“But no matter the reason, all are welcome. It just touches my heart to welcome neighbours and enjoy such a special day and time together.”

The sixth edition of the group’s free Christmas dinner will take place at Riversyde 83, a café run by Church Out Serving at 83 Sydenham Street in downtown Simcoe.

Doors open at 11 a.m. At noon, volunteers will serve a home-cooked traditional holiday meal complete with turkey, ham and all the trimmings.

Santa has been known to drop by, Haverkamp added.

Organizers invite anyone looking for a friendly place to celebrate Christmas this year to email churchoutserving@gmail.com or call 519-428-1637. Seats must be reserved in advance, and the deadline to RSVP is Dec. 21.

Haverkamp said spots tend to fill up quickly, so those interested in joining the feast should get in touch soon.

“We are pleased to host anyone who is looking for a place to go on Christmas Day to savour a special meal and to be with others in community.”

J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.