They came for the turkey and trimmings, but the event was as much about refreshing the spirit as it was about refuelling the body. It was a warm, positive event that showed that people in Greater Victoria care about each other.
In addition to the able volunteers and the Mustard Seed organization, the dinner was made possible by donors to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, which picked up the tab for the food that was cooked at the Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt and brought to the armoury by truck.
The dinner was free to anyone who wanted to be there, no questions asked.
Sometimes there’s a perception that such dinners are only organized for and attended by the homeless or the desperately poor.
And while those are people who definitely need a warm meal and a kind word, they are not the only ones who benefit from the community’s caring spirit.
Hard times can befall anyone. Many working families are getting by, but have little left over when the bills are paid.
Some families with special-needs children find their resources stretched to the limit, and to be served a dinner without worrying how to pay for it can boost morale and offer respite.
Many people are one paycheque away from being homeless. An illness or injury can rack up expenses while making it impossible to work.
Even those who plan carefully and live prudently can find themselves in straitened circumstances through a series of unforeseen misfortunes. The distance from a Cordova Bay condo to an emergency shelter is not as great as you might think.
We live in a prosperous society in a prosperous area, but that prosperity is not distributed evenly. It is not a huge sacrifice for those who have much to share with those who have little, but the rewards are great for all involved.
Charity is too often regarded as being accompanied by a condescending attitude, but its true meaning is love and concern for one’s fellow human beings. It’s an acknowledgment that each of us, at some time or another, will need a helping hand, materially or otherwise.
Volunteering at an event such as the Mustard Seed dinner is one manifestation of genuine charity; making the event possible by donating to the Christmas Fund is another. Even small donations make a big difference collectively.
The Times Colonist Christmas Fund and its predecessors have been making a difference since 1956. This year, the fund goes to support Mustard Seed and Salvation Army initiatives, extending the impact of your donations.
Your help is still needed. You can donate online by going to timescolonist.com/christmasfund, or by phone by calling 250-995-4438.
Cheques can be mailed to or dropped off at the Times Colonist, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2. Tax receipts will be issued.
Brightening someone else’s Christmas is a sure way of brightening your own.
