In Maple Ridge, you don’t have to be alone on Christmas Eve.
This year, Christmas Haven is marking its 25th anniversary. That’s a quarter century of serving turkey dinner with all the trimmings to anyone who comes forward, with a heaping helping of Christmas cheer, on Dec. 24.
The Christmas Eve event, which bills itself as 100 per cent volunteer driven, brings holiday warmth to hundreds of people, and it has been since 1998.
That year it was started, Jean Chretien was Prime Minister, Titanic had won a Best Picture Oscar, and Google got its start as a private company.
Then, and each year since, a group of people who love their community came together to offer a free, non-denominational event. It attracts many who would otherwise spend the night alone.
As with everyone who attends, Joan Marr talked about the sense of community there is at the event. Coming up to 91 years of age, she has not missed a Haven, except when COVID-19 forced her to. She wears a festive Christmas hat that has been with her at each event.
“It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m usually alone, and this Haven is a haven for all people who are alone at Christmas,” said Marr.
She enjoys the entertainment and atmosphere, and will have turkey dinner if there is enough left after everyone has been seated.
Marr has taken a turn volunteering there as well.
“It’s immensely rewarding,” she said. “It gives you a sense of purpose, helping people in need.”
Other volunteers spoke about a sense of belonging, and being part of a team, and part of the community.
Phil Ransom has been helping organize entertainment for eight years. He’s been a longtime volunteer at festivals and events in the city, and said Christmas Haven is one of his favourites.
“The people here are wonderful, and we have such a great connection to the community, it is amazing the outpouring of support we get for Christmas Haven,” he said.
“It’s a lovely event. It’s rich or poor. It’s not just for people living on the street. This is where people can come who don’t have anywhere else to go, they don’t have family close by. It’s an opportunity for them to come out and have Christmas dinner, get a gift, sing some songs – it’s a great thing for the community.”
Cruz Kotarski is 21, and has been volunteering with his family since he was a teen – for six years.
“I love it. It’s really fun, and seeing people’s smiles – it’s a nice feeling.”
Corisa Bell has been a key organizer and worked for 18 years at the event, and said this year’s was “just as magical as the first one.”
“It’s community coming together, and nothing else is important, except celebrating humanity,” she said. “I just love that every part of what Christmas Haven is about is volunteer driven – it’s by community, for community. “
Bell is planning to leave the city, and feels the event is left in good hands.
“We have a very passionate, dedicated steering committee, we have a good time working together, and they’re going to continue doing incredible work.”
Tonight they were expecting to do three seatings of turkey dinner, provided by Whisk Catering at The Act Arts Centre.
They can seat 90 people for dinner at a time, and had scheduled three seatings.
Norden the Magician was there, amazing children and making adults smile with his unique blend of magic and wry humour. There were numerous local musicians making spirits bright.
The dessert bar was a popular stop, well stocked with pastries and sweets from local businesses.
Local seniors have been knitting toques and scarves, and there was warm clothing and other gifts, including toys for children.
Rotary and Kiwanis service clubs, and Vancity Credit Union, have been key supporters.
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