Veteran collects food, toys for free holiday dinner
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For the fourth consecutive year, veteran Trevor Sanderson camped out in the cold for a full week — from Dec. 3 to 10 — to collect food and toy donations for a free Christmas dinner event on Dec. 13.
The event took place at the Ukrainian Labour Temple (591 Pritchard Ave.) in the North End, on a free-to-enter basis for those in need.
Sanderson said he expects to feed about 1,000 people, as friends hauled a truck-load of turkeys, vegetables and stuffing out of their own vehicles and into his. Last year, he saw an attendance of approximately 500.
Photo by Emma Honeybun
“That’s my commitment,” the 55-year-old said, when asked why he mans the tent at the corner of Main Street and Pacific Avenue for seven days. “If I’m able to sleep out here, don’t you think you should at least bring me a toy to make it all worth it?”
“It gives them (those who donate) that motivation to take that extra step. It’s not that hard. I’m one person and I’m gonna feed 1,000 people.”
Sanderson is not backed by any organization, and the dinner is 100 per cent volunteer-run.
He said his favourite part is the kids: “The kids, the smiles, and the parents, as well. They see the joy the kids are experiencing … it’s the family feeling of Christmas.”