Written By Joshua Drakes

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Dec. 25 will be filled with warm food and community connections as Share the Bounty hosts a Christmas dinner from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Shelburne Legion.

No one should ever find themselves alone or isolated on Christmas, nor should they be cold or unfed. Local community initiatives have set out to make sure that never happens in Shelburne.

Pam Kelly, executive director of Share the Bounty, said guests can expect a big, hearty dinner menu.

“Everyone coming can expect to receive an ample dinner serving,” she said. “That's going to be turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, everything that you can think of that comes with a Christmas dinner. And it's also completely free.”

For those who aren't physically able to make it to the dinner, Kelly said not to worry, because they've prepared for you. Volunteers from Share the Bounty are more than willing to come to you if you can make it to them.

“We have an extra offer, mainly to seniors, where if you can't get out on Christmas day and you would like some food, please call us, because we'll deliver within the area,” Kelly said. “It's never a problem for us; we'd rather you not be alone.”

She continued by saying that if you're able to come out, join them at the legion.

“We have tons of volunteers from around the Shelburne area that have been so kind as to give up their Christmas day to be here,” Kelly said. “Come out and join us, it's going to be one big happy day.”

The Christmas dinner is just one part of Share the Bounty's mission.

Share the Bounty is a charity meal organization whose mission is to feed the hungry in the local communities it serves, including Dufferin, Caledon, and Peel. One of those communities is Shelburne, where Kelly joined the organization.

“I joined Share the Bounty a few years ago, and they generously handed me Shelburne as my local area to work in,” she said. “We're actually all over Peel and Dufferin County, offering free meals twice a week out in Orangeville, and we do free meals in Brampton as well. We're looking to expand into Simcoe County as well.”

Share the Bounty's Christmas dinner has become another staple in the local community for the holiday season. All across town, charities and groups are running holiday drives and activities to make sure no one is left hungry, alone, or without a gift this Christmas.

Be a Santa to a Senior is making sure our elderly feel cherished and remembered as they get gifts prepared for them on Christmas. Shoes4Shelburne has been busy collecting shoes for families and individuals who need reliable footwear during the cold months.

Streams Community Club hosted its Very Merry Market in weeks past, giving local creators and youths the chance to showcase their creative talents and residents the chance to buy unique local products as gifts.

For more information on Share the Bounty, how to support them or to donate, visit https://sharethebounty.info/. To register for the dinner, contact Pam at 226-979-1926 or dinnerlegion220@gmail.com. Donations are always welcome.