Aaron Stevenson is one of the organizers of the dinner, which will be held at the Truro Farmers' Market on Christmas Day, with doors opening at 2 p.m.
"My wife and I owned a fair trade café out in Bible Hill and that's where it started," said Stevenson about Christmas at the Café. "We were always involved with different social organizations and recognized the need for such a dinner."
He admits other organizations, including the Salvation Army, had been hosting dinners, but the Stevensons wanted to create something a little more inclusive. They didn't host a dinner last year, however, but with a couple of people approaching them and others this year, they revived the idea.
"It's about the community coming together," he said. "Everyone is welcome to come. The idea is to create a family environment like people would have at home where they can sit around, we'll have some guitars and we're welcoming musicians to come, sing some songs, have some snacks and treats, and then at about 4-4:30, we'll all sit down and enjoy the meal."
He said doors would be open the entire time for anyone to drop by until 7 p.m.
Each year, the Christmas at the Café event has grown, with 60 to 70 people joining in two years ago. This year, the organizers are hoping for between 100 to 125 people.
"We recognize that Christmas can be one of the most depressing times of the year to be alone," said Stevenson. "We're making this a casual, fun, family event that is open to the whole community, and we're issuing a special invitation to students and seniors who may be alone this Christmas."
Stevenson said donations for the event have been coming in, with four turkeys and a number of cash donations being made.
"We're certainly looking for more and anything we receive beyond our needs will be going to the Truro Homeless Outreach Society. It's another opportunity for us to help them."
Organizers, which include the society and the Truro Farmers' Market's Jamie Alcorn, have two locations that have agreed to be a drop-off spot for anyone wishing to donate items. Clay Café on Inglis Place and Leon's in the Truro Power Centre have agreed to collect any donations for the event.
And while the organizers are hoping to see many at the event, they know not everyone who might wish to join them will be able to because of mobility issues. Transportation, said Stevenson, could be arranged in those instances.
For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, contact Aaron Stevenson at 902-305-3100 or [email protected]. Information can also be found online at www.facebook.com/ChristmasAtTheCafe.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
