This will be the 12th year for Sharon and Rick Hamilton to provide the Christmas dinner to folks in the Glenboro area – that is, if the COVID-19 restrictions are manageable for the Hamiltons.  

Sharon says, back in October they were allowed to have 50 people attend their Christmas meal at the hall, and that list of 50 filled up fairly quickly.  However, since October, the parameters of providing community events has changed.

"With the new restrictions we know we can't serve 50 people in our hall," explains Hamilton. "But I had 50 people signed up at that point so my heart says we have to do something for these people but I need to look at the restrictions and make sure that we're within the law.  So, what we're thinking is to continue making the meal and deliver them to those who had signed up."

Hamilton says each Christmas they have community members support this local initiative – and this year is no different.  "We don't ask for anything from the community but people have always stepped up and helped us," she says. "This year I've had a couple of people ask me what's going on and have been willing to help us with monetary donations."

"This is such a different year, that we don't need so much of the food donation as much because we're going to be doing a basic meal if we can."  Hamilton says the annual Christmas Dinner will include the annual treat of Christmas pudding to add to the traditional turkey meal and trimmings as usual.

Of all the changes we've faced in 2020, Hamilton says community is missing the regular interaction with each other, especially at this time of the year, during the Christmas Season.  Out of all the years of hosting the Glenboro Christmas meal, she feels this is the year where it is most needed.

"People are lonely," shares Hamilton.  "I've called to talk to people asking them if they would have me deliver a meal to them and they just want to talk.  I can maybe do 2 calls each morning because people just need to talk.  So, maybe we can't do the get-together, which is also always needed, but they need something and maybe this can help."

As we get closer to Christmas, the Hamiltons are waiting to see what further regulations might be coming before making a final decision to proceed with this year's dinner.  "As long as we get the 'GO!' word, we're doing it!"  states Hamilton.

Please contact Sharon and Rick Hamilton to make a monetary donation or volunteer your time to the Glenboro Christmas Dinner.