The ninth annual JAMS Christmas Day Dinner was another huge success. Sandy (Spencer) Johnson and her family served turkey and all the fixins' to 120 people including eight deliveries to shut-ins.
This year, Kevin and Crystal Cornish stopped by after the meal to provide entertainment.
"The JAMS family was encouraged to see many new faces this year as well as regular attendees," said Sandy Johnson. "It is great to see the purpose of the meal, which is to provide companionship for individuals alone on Christmas Day, has been embraced."
"The JAMS family would like to thank the numerous volunteers and financial supporters for another amazing year," said Johnson, "with special thanks to the Knox Hall who have donated the facility every year for the past seven years."
Many in attendance were delighted to find the tables beautifully set with linen tablecloths and china dinnerware. Johnson noted that they wanted their meal to look and feel like a family table at Christmas.
Numerous volunteers give their time and energy to create ever detail in preparations for the day's meal and this year saw some newcomers, who described their day as 'immensely enjoyable'.
"It was nothing like I thought it would be, it was amazing," said volunteer Paul Ganton.
One added extra this year was a family of four who showed up after the meal was done to do dishes. "This was a huge help as many of us are very tired by the time the meal is over," said Johnson
The JAMS family is already looking forward to next year's dinner.
"We plan to make next year's dinner even more special as we mark our 10th Anniversary," said Johnson, adding that many people ask her if the dinner will continue in the future. "It is a legacy that I hope will continue on for many years, in honour of my late husband Daryl (Spencer)."
Johnson is happy to have the support of her new husband Joel, who was joined by his mother Dora this year, to help make the dinner a success.
The dinner raised $1,600 for the Weyburn Wor-Kin-Shop Building fund.
