Community feels the love

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This article was published 25/12/2013 (2295 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

People of all faiths packed into the West Broadway Community Ministry Wednesday afternoon to enjoy a Christmas lunch and each other's company.

Roughly 100 people attended the ministry's annual Christmas lunch put on by volunteers from the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and the ministry.

"I think it's so important during this season to be able to feel the love of a community" – Riva McWilliam, a longtime volunteer at the Christmas lunch

The lunch of a chicken pot pie, potato salad and coleslaw began with the lighting of a multi-faith candle.

Volunteers and participants alike said the lunch is all about bringing the community together.

"I think it's so important during this season to be able to feel the love of a community," said Riva McWilliam, a longtime volunteer at the Christmas lunch.

McWilliam and her husband have been helping out with the annual meal for eight years, and it's become a Christmas tradition for them.

They do not celebrate Christmas, so they think it's a perfect opportunity to give back to people in need.

People who come for lunch also get a gift bag filled with warm mittens, or scarves and socks, as well as toiletries. Kids also get gift bags with warm wear and toys.

Helen Oshanski lives just around the corner from the ministry, and has been coming to their annual Christmas lunch for over five years.

"I like coming here because it's close to home, and I like participating in community events," said Oshanski.

West Broadway Community minister, Lynda Trono, said she thinks it's amazing a lot of these volunteers want to share this day with their families and community members in need.

"This lunch really demonstrates the loving neighbour," said Trono.

veronika.gorlova@freepress.mb.ca