Hundreds of people attended the PAGC Urban Services Christmas Dinner at the Indian Métis Friendship Centre on Wednesday. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Christmas Dinner

A holiday tradition continues with PAGC Urban Services dinner

Dec 5, 2019 | 10:17 AM

The annual Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Urban Services Christmas Dinner served holiday cheer on Thursday.

The PAGC and the Prince Albert Indian Métis Friendship partnered up to provide low-income families a festive meal.

The 16^th edition was hosted at the Indian Metis Friendship Centre.

Geoff Despins, manager of the PAGC Urban Services told paNOW they continue to do this event year after year to give back to the community. He said there is a big need for events such as this in the city as people may be living meal by meal.

“For a lot of people that come here, this will be one of their first meals and maybe will be their only meals, a Christmas traditional meal,” Despins said. He noted every year people are always very thankful for the help.

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“That’s why we continue every year,” he said. “It’s huge and it’s just giving back to Prince Albert and it’s letting people know we’re here and we’re supporting them and helping out as much as we can.”

Up to 500 people were expected on Thursday. Organizers had little treats for the children, food hampers they were giving away, and door prizes. Centre staff also had numerous articles of clothing out for people to take home.

The food and other items were all donated with Northern Lights Casino and Leon’s Furniture among the sponsors.

The event had help from many volunteer groups and individuals who play an integral role including those from the centre, Prince Albert Police and the Prince Albert Titans Hockey Club.

“For the last two days there’s people coming into the office saying ‘Do you guys need help?’” Despins said. “And I’d like to thank everybody that helped out in support of this event. It’s going to keep growing and it’s going to be bigger again next year.”

Stephanie Sewap, who works for PAGC Urban Services and is the coordinator for the event, said she is grateful as an organization they’re able to provide a meal to the less fortunate.

“We do get a lot of people in our office who we tend to know,” she said.” The regulars who are always downtown come into our office just to see what events are going on and see if there is anything we can provide them with.”

Sewap added the event has become a tradition and many community members look forward to it every year.

“They expect it, and we just want to keep that tradition going and we hope to continue to have it for another 10 or 20 more years,” Sewap said.

She said they were worried about the costs but their sponsors help the tradition live on.

“We’ve been able to give extra now with our care packs,” she said.

The Prince Albert Titans Hockey Club serve Christmas Dinner at the Indian Métis Friendship Centre on Wednesday. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

Kim Dryka, head coach of the Prince Albert Titans Hockey Club, said this is their third year helping out at the Christmas dinner.

“It’s very important to give back to the community. We find with all the support that goes on with us we like to give some support back and help out the community,” Dryka said. “This is one way we can is help out with their Christmas supper.”

He added every year the new players always jump on board to volunteer for this event.

“There is no hesitation,” Dryka said. “I ask and need about 10 guys and they’re here in a heartbeat.”

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ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12