THUNDER BAY -- One of Thunder Bay's premier, formal locales served as the host of a Christmas dinner for the Salvation Army on Sunday.
The dinner has been an annual fixture of the holiday season for 22 years but the community's need outgrew the Salvation Army building.
After discussions over what venue could accommodate the dinner, the Valhalla Inn offered its kitchen -- and its ballroom.
"We want people to feel valued and know that they’re worth a dinner at the Valhalla," said Capt. Lori Mitchell, the executive director of Salvation Army's community and residential services.
"Not everybody has the opportunity to eat off of fine china. We want people to know that they’re worth that."
Mitchell made flyers and invitations but most of the promotion for the event was passed through word-of-mouth. Organizers expected about 300 plates would be served. By 1 p.m., there were at least 300 people seated and buses carrying as many as 200 more were on the way.
Children were seated at almost every table.
"It’s just an opportunity for people to come and know that somebody cares about them, give them a nice, hot Christmas dinner," Mitchell said.
"We have toys for kids and we have Santa, we have crafts for kids to do. It’s just an opportunity to come together and have some fun."
