It has been one year since the passing of Mr. Earl Naswell, the founder of the Comox Valley’s free Christmas Dinner that is named in his honour, and volunteers are assuring that his legacy lives on.
In 1982, Mr. Earl Naswell went door-to-door to local businesses, asking for help to provide a Christmas dinner for himself and about a dozen friends who were, in Naswell’s words, “a bit down on their luck.”
The Comox Valley business community responded in droves, and a tradition was born.
2021 is the 39th year for the event, which is growing and adapting to meet the Comox Valley’s changing needs and COVID restrictions for the second year. The Earl Naswell Community Christmas Dinner will be held again at noon on Dec. 25, with plans to deliver 700 bags of Christmas cheer to residents across the valley.
Each bag is being decorated by Mark R. Isfeld students and staff, and holds an amazing turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings, desserts, and a goody bag packed with an orange and all sorts of yummy treats.
“The meal is prepared by volunteers in the Filberg hall kitchen, starting on the 23rd and our dedicated chef Dale always has everything ready to go by noon on Christmas Day,” said co-ordinator Rob James.
Dozens of volunteer delivery drivers will be dropping off the dinners at the homes of residents across the valley. Large group deliveries are also scheduled for Washington Inn, The Junction, Maple Pool Campground, Connect Warming Centre, and other locations managed by BC Housing.
“We also supply a large number of dinners to be distributed by members of the Comox Valley Better at Home program for their seniors living independently,” said James. “Businesses across the Valley are stepping up again this year, many are upping their donations from previous years to ensure we can achieve our new goal of 700 dinners. If anyone would like to donate, please contact us, we have different options available. Due to COVID, we are keeping the number of volunteers in the hall to a minimum, but do still require drivers for deliveries on the 25th. Please contact us by email: CVChristmas@shaw.ca.”
To register for a home delivery, please call the Salvation Army Family Services at 250-338-5133.
