North Bay Christmas holiday meal set to break records in terms of hungry and lonely looking for turkey meal

The annual Christmas Day meal in North Bay is going to break records in terms of the number of people in need of a free turkey meal and some company.

The Christmas Day lunch started before 2007, the same year that it was moved from other churches to the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Church on McIntyre St. West.

Chair of the committee Sylvia Antinozzi said the goal is to provide a warm, comfortable atmosphere for those who wish to share a Christmas meal. In most years, the lunch is the only food source on Christmas Day.

"I cry every year before I open the doors. You see them wait inside,” she said.

“There’s a lot of people who have homes who are lonely and are so happy that they are there.”

Antinozzi has been the committee's chair for six years. Last year, 700 people received a turkey lunch.

"This year with the economy and the way it’s going and the prices, I’m sure and afraid we’ll double that,” she said.

The Christmas Day lunch started before 2007, the same year that it was moved from other churches to the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Church on McIntyre St. West. (Supplied)

The annual Christmas Day meal in North Bay is going to break records in terms of the number of people in need of a free turkey meal and some company. (Supplied)

Around 100 volunteers will join Antinozzi. The committee needs a few more people willing to give up a few hours Christmas day to help serve food at the church or work in the kitchen cleaning up.

The Davedi Club is again lending the use of its kitchen and storage for a week to allow the cooks to prepare more than 30 turkeys.

“We’re winding down with our own events and then jumping right into the event,” said Davedi Club office assistant Angela Johnston.

“Christmas can really be a dark time for many people. It makes us feel like we can help them.”

Despite the soaring cost of groceries, Antinozzi said supporters are helping as much as they can and that there will be no issue getting everyone fed.

'THRILLING TO FEEL THAT ENERGY' 

"It’s so thrilling to feel that energy in that room from all the volunteers so eager to help,” she said.

The committee is thanking its partners Tim Hortons for supplying coffee, Enterprise for allowing a vehicle to be used for transportation of the food from the Davedi Club to the church, Cobs Bakery, giving organizers 50 per cent off of the cost of fresh bread.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 599 West Ferris is supplying some desserts while The Gathering Place is supporting them and individual donors.

Rebuilt Resources presented the committee with a $3,000 cheque while the Rotary Club of North Bay is paying for $2,500 worth of groceries.

"We’re quite community oriented on the whole project and especially around Christmas time,” said club spokesman Don Coutts.

The meal will take place Dec. 25 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be live Christmas music and everyone leaves with a gift bag.

Takeout runs 1-1:30 pm.

Anyone wishing to volunteer can email [e-mail].