New faces will be cooking up a storm this Christmas in an effort to make sure anyone and everyone has a place to go this festive season.
Taking over from the great work last year of Tash Rankin, husband and wife Kiel and Vicky Waite are organising this year’s Christmas community dinner at the Caroline Bay Hall.
Mr Waite said he had always wanted to run the dinner, and having worked in hospitality and having Christmas off, he thought he would put his hand up this year.
‘‘I just wanted to see if I could help out, get in the kitchen and cook.
‘‘I went along and met Tash, then my wife and I walked away and thought we would co-ordinate it this year.’’
Ms Rankin stepped in at the last minute to run the event last year after longtime organiser Melissa Brennan moved to Dunedin to be closer to family.
She may have saved Christmas last year but only intended to step in for one year, hence Mr and Mrs Waite now taking charge. Mr Waite said it was important the event continued to happen each year.
‘‘The dinner needs to keep going.
‘‘There is a big need for it.
‘‘There are a lot of different groups and people that rely on Christmas Day events.’’
He said the event would feature music, quizzes with prizes and would serve up a pleasant time with good food.
‘‘It’s going to be a good fun day.
‘‘It is open to anyone. There is no judgement or anything.
‘‘We just want to bring people together for Christmas.’’
For anyone wishing to attend, booking is essential so table layouts can be arranged.
The event can cater to a maximum of 300 people and Mr Waite said they had filled about 90 spots already. Transport will be available for those who need it and anyone wishing to attend, volunteer or donate can contact Kiel and Vicky either on the Timaru Community Christmas Dinner Facebook page, or by calling 021 0848-1046 or emailing [email protected]
