Community effort ensures everyone has Christmas dinner

Courtney Comeau believes everyone should be able to enjoy a Christmas dinner regardless of their financial situation.

For the last two years, the New Glasgow woman has led a community effort that ensures just that.

In 2020, Comeau saw that the Pantry Kitchen was advertising their Christmas meals for sale. Someone made a comment on the post saying it’s too bad someone couldn’t sponsor a meal for someone in need.

Comeau immediately thought: “Why can’t we?”

She took the initiative to post a message looking for people who would be interested in donating and it took off. That first year about 220 meals were purchased for seniors and low-income families, so she did it again last year and they purchased 271 meals.

This year she’s hoping to do just as much and is once again receiving positive feedback.

In the past, meals have been delivered to Department of Community Service clients, seniors by the PCSS, Tearmann House, Viola’s Place, Roots for Youth, seniors sponsored by Pictou County Helpers and individuals nominated by the St Vincent de Paul Society as well as others.

With the rising cost of food and fuel, Comeau believes this program is more important than ever.

“People just can't afford the basics, let alone any extras like a nice meal at Christmas.”

But she feels everyone should have a full belly on Christmas.

Comeau is thankful for those who donate, but also for those who help her deliver the meals.

“Everyone that's volunteered to deliver say it's so worthwhile and just important. And the people they deliver to are just so thankful.”

The meals are made by Pantry Kitchen, so donations help a local business Comeau noted. They include a traditional turkey dinner and all the fixings with an apple crisp dessert.

The cost this year to purchase a meal is $23. Anyone who would like to participate can email Comeau for more information at courtney.comeau@live.com.