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Preparations ongoing for Courtenay’s annual Earl Naswell Community Christmas Dinner

The doors of the Florence Filberg Centre, downtown Courtenay, will open again at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day for the Earl Naswell Community Christmas Dinner.
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The doors of the Florence Filberg Centre, downtown Courtenay, will open again at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day for the Earl Naswell Community Christmas Dinner.

This popular event is organized for everyone who might not otherwise enjoy a full hot Christmas dinner and for those who might simply wish to share some hometown Comox Valley Christmas spirit with others. In 1982, Mr. Earl Naswell first started what has become a great Comox Valley Christmas tradition, with the hall bustling full of guests, volunteers, carollers, musicians, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The event is never short of hard-working volunteers, decorating the hall, setting the festive tables, and serving this free dinner to the guests, spending a good portion of their own holiday to ensure everyone who attends has a very Merry Christmas.

The kitchen assembly line always runs smoothly, ensuring everyone in attendance has a hot meal within minutes of sitting down. Photo by Terry Farrel

Our chefs and kitchen elves also spend many hours preparing and cooking up the delicious dinner of turkey, stuffing, ham, veggies and desserts. They are very grateful to the many generous local businesses and individuals who donate all the supplies needed for this to happen year after year.

More than 400 dinners will be served, both in the hall and packaged for additional take-home dinners as well. After the meal, guests are also welcome to pack home a bag or two of fresh baked goods and desserts.

The Filberg Centre doors will open at 11 a.m. on Dec. 25 for some festive carolling, hot drinks and goodies, followed by the big dinner served at noon until 1:30 p.m.

Shuttle service

We are again fortunate to be able to offer some free transportation to the event, courtesy of First Student and Ambassador Transportation:

Route 1

10:20 a.m. – pickup at Cumberland Library

10:40 a.m. – pickup at Comox Legion

Route 2

10:30 a.m. – pickup at Maple Pool Campground

10:45 a.m. – pickup at Washington Inn

For more information, call 250-702-3896, or email CVChristmas@shaw.ca