Nanaimo charitable organizations will be doing their best to ensure the less fortunate feel some cheer this holiday season.
Gord Fuller, 7-10 Club Society chairman, said the society will host a breakfast on Christmas Day (Dec. 25).
It is free and takes place between 9 a.m. and noon at the club’s home base, 285 Prideaux St., with scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit and juice on the menu. Roast beef sandwiches are available for people to take home.
Fuller said organizers are expecting 200-plus people.
“They get to do a little bit of socializing,” said Fuller. “They may only be able to do one meal a day, that day. They may not be able to afford anything, so it could be the only joy they get on Christmas day.”
The society will also partner with citizens host a Christmas dinner later in the day at Generations Church, 1300 Princess Royal Ave., 3-7 p.m.
Fuller said turkey, vegetables, ham and dessert are on the menu.
Donna Lynn Phillips, Nanaimo Salvation Army food service manager, said it will be offering free holiday meals as well.
“On [Dec.] 24th, we’re doing a free seniors’ dinner and that gets delivered to their house ... if you hear of anybody, then they’re more than welcome to phone and get on that list,” said Phillips.
Turkey, trimmings and dessert will be offered, Phillips said.
The Salvation Army will also host a ham dinner on Jan. 1 at the New Hope Centre, 19 Nicol St., beginning at 3 p.m. and running until everyone is fed, said Phillips.
She said organizers are expecting 420 people for the Jan. 1 event.
For more information, please call the 7-10 Club at 250-714-0917 or the Salvation Army at 250-714-1142.