Tanara Oliveira/News Staff
For decades, Our Place has been delighting people in need with delicious Christmas meals and this year marked a special milestone as Victoria’s Dodd family celebrated their 25th year of spreading holiday cheer.
“Gordy (Dodd) is still the new kid on the block,” joked kitchen manager Brian Cox, who has been cooking at Our Place for 34 years.
“Doing this for this long is always a good reminder that there are always people in need and the best way that I found to help them is to give them something good to face this time,” says Gordy Dodd of Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress. “I also feel that if you do it for these people, they will bless you in return. I’m doing what everybody should do.”
Each year, individuals facing financial hardships eagerly anticipate the turkey-filled lunch provided by Our Place (served this year on Dec. 20), followed by Dodd’s Christmas dinner on Dec. 21.
The dedicated Our Place kitchen team busied themselves roasting whole turkeys, preparing mashed potatoes, thickening gravy, steaming vegetables, and baking pumpkin pies to deliver a one-two punch of festive deliciousness.
“Our home-cooked lunch is only made possible thanks to our generous donors,” says Janice Kalin, Our Place’s director of philanthropy. “But to make sure everybody gets a chance to enjoy it, the Dodd family also generously donates a Christmas supper the following day.”
The lunch took place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the Our Place Community Centre, located at 919 Pandora Ave. The supper, served by the Dodd family and their friends, follows from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, at the same location.
CEO of Our Place, Julian Daly, expressed the joy felt by the organization during this time of year.
“It’s one of our favourite times of the year. Our chefs, staff, and volunteers love to see all the happy faces as people enjoy two fantastic meals.”
Local favorite Rogers’ Chocolates generously contributed festive chocolates for dessert.
Daly emphasized Our Place’s ongoing commitment to supporting those in need, regardless of their circumstances.
“Our Place has always been there for people going through difficult times – regardless of the reason. And this is just one way that we show support, hope, and belonging to those who are struggling and lonely.”
In addition to the holiday meals at the Our Place Community Centre, the organization also served Christmas meals at its six housing sites, benefiting over 500 residents.
