More than 30 volunteers, yesterday, were busily packing 800 gift bags to be given out tonight, as the B.C. Federation of Labour hosts its 15th annual Labour Community Christmas Dinner.
The meal will take place in two locations, at the Maritime Labour Centre in Vancouver and the Whalley Legion in Surrey, where it's expected between 2,500 and 3,000 people in need will attend.
"It's coming along great," coordinator Susan MacKenzie said. "We've had lots of donations this year, which has just been superb."
More than 60 organizations have contributed to the dinner this year, which will be provided by the Renaissance Hotel.
After eating a turkey feast, with all the fixings, families will be given a bag with canned goods, pasta, soup mixes, fruit and vegetables, along with other goodies, such as toys that have been donated and gift certificates.
Teenagers will take home $15 gift cards from Zellers, while homeless people will be given socks, gloves and hats. There will also be a boutique set up with clothing donations.
"It costs quite a bit to put this on, but we always manage to get enough money to do everything we want to do and everybody comes through every year," said MacKenzie, who's in her third year as coordinator.
Over 100 volunteers will help with the dinner service, giving underprivileged families a great start to the Christmas weekend.
