Melvin Ford knows that traditions can change.
For the past two years, he has been up serving a free Christmas dinner with all the fixings in Georgetown.
This year, the celebration moves to St. Mary’s Hall in Souris.
The reason for the move is simple. Ford wanted to be closer to his loved ones.
“With lots of changes in my personal life, I decided it was time to move the dinner to my hometown where I can go to celebrate Christmas with my family,” says the kind-hearted chef who, with the support of volunteers, is whipping up another festive dinner with all the trimmings to be served on Dec. 25 from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
“Based on numbers from previous years I hope to have between 200-250 for Christmas dinner.”
In fact, he knows a few Georgetown residents who have expressed an interest in driving to Souris to take it in.
“If the weather’s good, it’s a great way to spend the day.”
What – Free Christmas dinner.
When and where – Dec. 25, St. Mary’s Hall, Souris. Seating from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Ready to give? – To learn about volunteering opportunities or to make a food or monetary donation call Melvin Ford at 902-808-8969.
Come as a guest – Call Melvin at 902-808-8969 if you plan on attending.
Although Melvin is organizing the event, he’s not doing it alone. Different people from the community are helping.
“Turkeys are the big thing that we need right now,” he said.
“We can also use vegetables. We serve carrots and turnips, along with mashed potatoes, with the main meal. We also need bread for the stuffing.”
Then there are the “little details that we often forget” like butter patties, napkins and tablecloths.
Ford’s idea of hosting a Christmas dinner was born from his own experience of loneliness on Christmas day.
“No one gets forgotten. People who attend also get to experience some wonderful Christmas music by some talented entertainers.
“And every kid leaves with a treat bag.”
And he’s over-the-moon about the new location.
“Every community needs to experience something like this and Souris is where I grew up.”
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The Guardian’s I Believe series, which will be published both in print and online between now and Christmas, will include inspirational and uplifting stories to get us in the holiday spirit. If you have a story that you believe should be part of the I Believe series, please email [email protected].
Other stories in the I Believe series:
I BELIEVE: Children of inmates at P.E.I. jail get presents for Christmas
I BELIEVE: No shortage of support for international community on the Island over the holidays
I BELIEVE: Summerside boy has wish granted, spends a week in Los Angeles
I BELIEVE: Musical Christmas lights display up and running in Indian River
I BELIEVE: Christmas together on P.E.I.
I BELIEVE: Boy on P.E.I. bringing joy to children, buying gifts for Islanders in need
