Friendship Centre feeds hundreds of people at annual Christmas gathering
December 15, 2024 at 5:25 PM
No one gets turned away at an annual Christmas lunch provided by the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (FENFC).
On Saturday, hundreds of people were treated to a free buffet-style meal with all the fixings.
More than 300 people attended the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre’s Christmas gathering on Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioPrepared by ‘Chef Paul,’ there was roast beef, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pastas, salads and much more being enjoyed by everyone in attendance at the gathering, which has been taking place for more than 40 years.
“It’s an opportunity to get together and meet the community,” said Geralda Jamieson, interim executive director at FENFC.
“And we never say it’s limited to anyone,” she added.
Cass Doxtator serves up food at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioFamilies whose children are enrolled in the Aboriginal Headstart or the Under the Rainbow daycare programs were among those gathered.
The centre also offers many programs to seniors, which made up a large percentage of those present on Saturday.
“We serve every stage of life,” said Jamieson, who was placed as the temporary leader at the centre only in recent weeks.
“If we have a day to support all of these families, we’ve done our duty,” she said, noting that people were fed on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
Asked about her role as the interim executive director, Jamieson said some “refocusing and restructuring” is taking place at the centre.
Photos with Santa were being provided by Smart Booth Images. There was also karaoke, as well as an ugly sweater contest.
Zoran Knezevic from Smart Booth Images with a group getting their photo taken with Santa. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioOne person who has been attending the gathering on a regular basis is Kristi Talbot.
She’s been taking part for the last 20 years since she was about 15, she said.
What makes it special for her is that she gets to bring her three-year-old daughter Kelly.
A former teacher at Aboriginal Headstart, she finds it special to see some of the kids she used to educate, who are much older than they were back then.
“All my Headstart babies are grown up teenagers now,” she laughed.
The event is also a “great opportunity for the community to come together,” she said.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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