The spirit of giving was alive and well this holiday season as the Rotary Club of Port Perry hosted its 2024 Annual Christmas Dinner. Over 30 dedicated volunteers came together to hand-deliver 201 turkey dinners to local seniors in need, spreading warmth and holiday cheer throughout the community.

Each dinner was hand-delivered in large, beautifully decorated shopping bags, crafted by the art club at Prince Albert Public School. These special bags included a thoughtful assortment of local contributions: a handmade dishcloth from the ladies at Never Enough Wool, pinecone bird feeders created by the Boy Scouts, chocolates generously donated by Nutty Chocolatier, cranberry ginger ale and fresh oranges from Vos Independent Grocer, a beautiful plant from Branching Out, and delicious cookies from That Place on Queen.

The dinner itself was nothing short of delicious, according to the recipients. Prepared by Flaky Tart under the expert management of Stephanie Coyne, the meal included turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, a fresh bun, and apple pie—truly a comforting holiday feast enjoyed by each dinner recipient.

The success of this year’s event was made possible by the efforts of the superb organizing committee: Barb Martin, Nancy Coyne, Emily McDonald, and Wendy Strickert. Their vision and leadership paved the way for this annual event to touch so many lives.

The heart of the event was made even stronger by the countless volunteers who assisted with assembling the gift bags and ensuring each delivery went smoothly. Their kindness and commitment were evident every step of the way.

A special thank you was extended to all the seniors who received meals, as many shared heartfelt notes of appreciation and donations, adding an extra layer of generosity to the holiday spirit.

The Seniors Dinner has been a beloved tradition for decades, and this year was no exception. Rotarians and their helpers found the experience heartwarming, a true reminder of the power of community and kindness during the holiday season.

Together, through teamwork, generosity, and spirit, the Rotary Club of Port Perry made this Christmas brighter for so many.