Maple Ridge resident Arlee Schmidt was the first in line for a hot turkey dinner at Christmas Haven on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Schmidt was one of more than 325 people who filed through the dining hall at the ACT Arts Centre for the free festive dinner on Christmas Eve – turkey with all the fixings – catered by local eatery Humble Roots.
"It was fantastic," exclaimed Alyson Cuthbertson, chair of the Christmas Haven committee, noting that if you included those who only came out for the entertainment and those who volunteered, the number would be closer to 450 who attended.
"It was really so nice to see a lot of familiar faces. All of us felt, who have done this for a while, that the seniors weren't there this year," she said. "But we did see others that we hadn't seen in a long time."
Volunteers said that everybody who came were just so thankful and so glad to be there, added Cuthbertson.
Cuthbertson said what stood out for her at the event was the high energy atmosphere with the guests and the volunteers.
"How everyone came together to make an outstanding event," she said.
And, she loved how Santa and Mrs. Claus were out dancing with the children in the main hall once the photos with Santa were finished.
"And the kids, their smiles, they were just so happy," noted Cuthbertson.
With the amount of people, including entire families, who came out to celebrate, it made Cuthbertson feel how worthy the event is in the community.
For some it may fill a hole during the holiday season. But for others, added Cuthbertson, they come for the environment, to celebrate with others, have their children's face painted, receive their little gift from Santa, and to enjoy the entertainment.
And to create happy memories and a new tradition for their family.
