No need to dine alone
Welcome mat’s out for everyone at Woodstock meal
Ever since last year’s dinner Preston Murphy and a cast of volunteers have been rolling out the welcome mat for the Christmas dinner they have planned for St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Woodstock.
Ever since last year’s dinner Preston Murphy and a cast of volunteers have been rolling out the welcome mat for the Christmas dinner they have planned for St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Woodstock.
“People got the idea it was just for people who were homeless or can’t afford it; that’s not what it’s about,” Murphy insisted in a recent interview with the Journal Pioneer.
“People who are home alone (or) two people: Come in and have dinner with us,” he urged. As much as the turkey/ham/ salt fish/baked beans and vegetables meal is enjoyed by all who attend, Murphy believes the opportunity to spend Christmas in the company of others is the greatest highlight.
“One woman said the other year: ‘if you didn’t have something to eat and just had somebody to talk to on Christmas Day it was worth it,’” he recollected. Preston and Helen Murphy were initiators of the first such Christmas Day dinner eight years ago. A crew of eager volunteers pitched in and many of them have been involved ever since.
Murphy estimated there were around 40 people in on Christmas Eve last year to help prepare for the meal.
Last year’s meal ended up getting delayed a day due to a Christmas Day snow storm, but just as many volunteers showed up on Boxing Day, many of the same ones from Christmas Eve. And the diners showed up, too, close to 180 of them. Another 60 or so people were provided with take-out meals.
Willard and Judy Murphy of Tignish have been regular attendees. Being Preston’s brother might have been an ice-breaker that first year, but Willard said they keep going back because of the opportunity to be with others on Christmas Day.
“Well, it means anybody who’s lonely or alone can go out and meet people and have dinner together and listen to music,” he said. They even get to see people they hadn’t seen since the previous dinner.
Meals are served starting at noon, and the music starts around 12:30. Any singer and musician is welcome to help spread the Christmas cheer.
Willard said they usually bring neighbours who, like them, would otherwise be dining alone on Christmas. “We look forward to that, come fall, to go.” Preston Murphy said he gets comments about the dinner throughout the year. “There’d be people talking about the dinner and stuff: how good it was and how much they’re looking forward to it again.”
He even hears from people throughout the year who volunteer or they provide money to help with the meal. There’s also a donation box at the hall on the day of the dinner. Contributions are optional.
All donation money left over after the meal expense is covered goes to charity. Last year, organizers were able to split $2,000 between the St. Anthony’s Church restoration project and Transportation West. All funds left over this year will be divided among the school breakfast programs in West Prince.
“It’s like a runaway train: how do you stop it?” asked Preston, expressing confidence the Christmas Day dinner tradition will continue for many years. Volunteers will show up at the hall at 9 a.m. Christmas Eve to peel and prepare vegetables and get the meal ready. All of the preparations and cooking is done at the hall.