Ron Moses Community Christmas Dinner: A 30-Year Tradition

In the heart-warming spirit of giving that defines the holiday season, the Ron Moses Community Christmas Dinner is set to mark its 30th 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 Vermilion and the area.

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 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 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 only by delivery.

In 2024, the Ron Moses Community Christmas Dinner was very successful with 55 attendees at the senior centre and 75 meals delivered to households in Innisfree, Minburn, Mannville, Islay, Clandonald, Dewberry, Elk Point, and Vermilion.

As the holiday season approaches once again, Lynda is extending the heart warming tradition of the Ron Moses Community Christmas Dinner once again at the Vermilion Senior Centre on December 25th with entertainment at noon and dinner at 1 p.m. Residents who are unable to attend the meal in person due to physical limitation only can let Lynda know by December 18th to reserve a delivery spot (no other meals will be delivered this year)furthermore the deadline to reserve your seat at the Vermilion Senior Centre is also December 18th.

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 for kitchen, set-up, clean-up, and serving, as well as entertainment. Lynda is currently seeking an emcee and entertainment for the event as well as volunteers to help prepare vegetables at the centre, servers and delivery persons. She is also in desperate need of a head cook who can cook the vegetables and place the food dishes/trays on the buffet tables, as well as potatoes, carrots, and desserts.