Police say ‘It’s a Kids’ Christmas’
Annual party features turkey, food and Santa
The boy had never been to a Christmas dinner like this, at Carmen’s Banquet Centre in all its glitzy glory.
“I wonder if they are made of real gold,” said Braedyn, pausing over his turkey and stuffing to notice chandeliers hanging from the 28-foot-high coffered ceiling.
At its best this is the season of special gifts, and that is what was served up to about 400 guests at the annual kids’ Christmas dinner hosted by the Hamilton Police Service.
Children who live in neighbourhoods where families sometimes struggle to make ends meet are chosen by local schools to attend the dinner, which is called “It’s a Kids’ Christmas,” and is an initiative of the police service’s Project Concern.
One of the police officers who got the ball rolling 40 years ago was on hand.
Retired Sgt. John Kenyon said it started pretty small back then; police officers bringing food or new furniture to a family in need.
Today Project Concern donates about $33,000 each year to more than 30 Hamilton charitable organizations.
The dinner, which includes partners such as The Eva Rothwell Centre, Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton and Carmen’s, is one of the causes.
“It wasn’t as structured when we started, but the idea of giving hasn’t changed,” said Kenyon. “I’m thrilled to see how far it has come, and that now it involves all branches and members of the police service.”
As cops in uniform served food, a magician performed, as did singer Avery Raquel. The most popular attraction might have been the two police horses outside the front doors serving as official greeters.
Rosie Elliott said her daughter, Madison, who is 19 months old and an animal lover, freaked out with joy when she saw the huge animals.
And the bus ride up the Mountain to the hall was pretty cool, too, she said. Guests were chauffeured in seven school buses provided by Badder Bus Service, all with police escorts.
Oh, and as usual Santa caused a stir, as did the presents handed out.
“It’s my first time here. I love it,” said Melissa Langille.
She does not get much chance to dine in 5,000-square-foot banquet rooms, living in an unadorned part of the city where little comes easy. Langille works full-time as a baker at Tim Hortons and takes classes to upgrade her education.
Her kids around the table are: Mackenzie, 8, Carly, 4, Michael, two-and-a-half, and Braedyn, 11.
The party is nice, Braedyn said: the food for sure, and yes, the gifts, of which he clearly appreciates the flashy ones that don’t last, and the ones that do.
“It’s good to have quality time with my family,” he said, no longer gazing skyward at the brassy decor.
It’s my first time here. I love it. MELISSA LANGILLE MOTHER OF FOUR CHILDREN, AGE TWO TO 11.