In the heartwarming spirit of giving that defines the holiday season, the Ron Moses Community Christmas Dinner is set to mark its 27th year of spreading joy and festive cheer throughout the community. What began as a humble invitation from Ron Moses in 1996 has blossomed into a welcomed tradition, embraced by the residents of Innisfree, Minburn, Mannville, Islay, Clandonald, Dewberry, Elk Point, and Vermilion.
The origins of this tradition trace back to 1996 when Ron Moses, alongside his wife Lynda, invited community members to join them at the Legion Hall for a complimentary turkey meal. Little did they know that this act of kindness would lay the foundation for an enduring legacy of community fellowship.
The journey of the Ron Moses Community Christmas Dinner took a poignant turn in 2005 when Ron passed away. Facing the uncertainty of its continuation, Lynda Moses contemplated bringing the tradition to a close. However, the compassionate outreach of the Rotary Club members proved to be the saving grace for the event’s perseverance. With their support the dinner was able to continue.
Throughout its nearly three-decade run, the dinner has faced its share of challenges, with the most notable being the unprecedented events of 2020. The global pandemic cast a shadow of uncertainty, threatening to cancel the cherished event. Yet, in a testament of community spirit, Sharon Jaremco from Mrs. J’s Catering offered her kitchen ensuring that the tradition endured into 2021 and was by delivery only.
In the following year, 2022, the Ron Moses Community Christmas Dinner was very successful with 178 meals delivered to households in Innisfree, Minburn, Mannville, Islay, Clandonald, Dewberry, Elk Point, and Vermilion.
As the holiday season approaches once again, Lynda Moses is extending the heartwarming tradition of the Ron Moses Community Christmas Dinner by delivery only on December 25th. Residents interested in receiving a meal are invited to contact Lynda at 780-853-1818 by December 20th to secure a place on the list.
The success of this annual event hinges on the collective effort of volunteers, and Lynda welcomes any additional helping hands to ensure the smooth execution of this festive undertaking.