The second annual Bashaw Community Christmas went off without a hitch.
Held at the Bashaw Legion on Christmas Day, the supper was the brainchild of Mary Dunlop and her husband Dwayne Olsen. The Christmas event started in 2017, when Dunlop and Olsen were looking to have family over for Christmas. But not having enough space at their place, they rented out the Legion with Olsen suggesting they open it up to the community.
That initiative showed strong interest with about 86 people attending. This year’s was also a big event, with about 60 people attending explained Dunlop. She had help too, with her sister Diane Clarke and friend Marion Mann throwing support in for this year’s event.
“It went really well, Marion stepped up and really helped,” said Dunlop, adding that her sister also put in extra effort.
Intended as a community event, the Christmas supper was also made possible with strong support from residents with many folks offering their time to volunteer or donate funds.
“I was so overwhelmed and excited and blessed,” stated Dunlop.
She was also grateful to her sister for creating beautiful centre table displays.
Dunlop added that there is a real need and desire among the community to see an event such as this, which is open to everyone in Bashaw. Along with five turkeys and three hams, there were treats and candies and even a fun gift exchange for attendees. There were so many gifts that they passed the presents around twice.
“I was over the moon with excitement,” offered Dunlop.
Plans are already underway for next year and she expects as the days get closer to Christmas, the planning will really ramp up. Dunlop said without the support of the volunteers and donors, the supper would not have been a success.
For Mann’s part, she was excited to help out and ensure everyone left with full stomachs. Even with a limited budget it was the extra support of volunteers that ensured everyone was taken care of.
“Anyone that came was fed, well fed,” explained Mann.
jeff.heyden-kaye@ponokanews.com
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