THUNDER BAY - The holiday season may seem grandiose, but it’s the small things that make the biggest differences. Something as simple as gift, a song, or a fine linen table cloth can make everyone feel a little more joyful.
On Sunday, the Salvation Army hosted its 23rd Annual Christmas Dinner at the Valhalla Inn. More than 360 people attended the turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
The dinner is meant to provide a free meal to anyone who may be alone during the holidays or families who may be feeling the financial stress of the season.
“I think this kind of thing gives people hope, it lets people know that there are people that care about them and want them to have special things that many of us take for granted,” said Major Lori Mitchell, executive director of the Salvation Army. “The whole atmosphere is just really special. People come in and immediately you can see their spirits lift, you see smiles on their faces and the interaction is really positive.”
The Valhalla Inn has been sponsoring the Salvation Army Christmas Dinner for the past 23 years. This is only the second year the dinner has been held at the Valhalla Inn ballroom. In previous years, it was held at the Salvation Army headquarters, but due to increasing demand, the Valhalla offered up the ballroom for the dinner and the hotel staff jumped at the opportunity to volunteer.
“They were growing so large,” said Giuseppe Sirignano, director of food and beverage services and assistant general manager at the Valhalla Inn. “There are a lot of needy families in the city and it was just getting bigger and bigger and they were having difficulties finding a venue to accomplish this, so we said we would be happy to do this for you and bring them here and take care of them here in the hotel.”
Mitchell said hosting the dinner at the hotel brings something special to an event that already includes a great meal, toys for kids, carolers, and of course, a visit from jolly ole Saint Nick. But for many, it’s the little things that carry the most meaning.
“We had one gentleman last year who commented that he had never been served dinner before,” Mitchell said. “For many this is a really new experience and something really special. The Valhalla pulls out all the stops. They have the linen table clothes, the china, it makes it such a special event.”
Sirignano added that hosting the event leaves everyone feeling satisfied, from the many with full stomachs, to the dozens of volunteers in the kitchen preparing the meal.
“We have about 30 volunteers back there, which is probably our biggest group of volunteers yet,” he said. “It is something that is growing with the staff and bringing their families out. It’s been really beneficial for everyone.”
Jasman Guerard was one of the volunteers serving dinner on Sunday and she said she wanted to help out because she loves people and she wanted to do something good for the community.
“I think it is important when you are doing well to give back to the people who may not be so lucky,” she said.
This is Guerard’s first time volunteering at the Salvation Army Dinner and she said that everyone attending was so grateful.
Guerard added she wasn’t sure how comfortable everyone would be, but she was confident that something small like a hot meal or a cup of coffee could make someone feel welcomed and at home because during this time of year, small gestures can make a huge difference, even when it involves something so invaluable.
“I think time is invaluable,” Guerard said. “This time of year, it being so crazy and everyone so consumed with their own lives and their own social and work and everything, I think time is invaluable. If that’s all you can give, some people may not be able to give money or clothes, but it’s very important that you can give it to someone.”
