NORTH DELTA — For two years, people in need have made their way to Crossroads United Church for free monthly meals.
The community dinners attract dozens of people to the Scott Road church on the fourth Saturday of the month.
"When we started, it was around 60 people, and now we're planning for around 120 each month," said Rev. Cari Copeman-Haynes.
"People come from Burnaby and elsewhere," she added, "but also a significant number of people are from right here in the community - often moms and grandmas with little kids, and not the same people each month. There are hungry people sort of hidden in basement suites all around this neighbourhood here."
This Saturday, Feb. 8, Crossroads is turning the tables, so to speak, by hosting a public dinner to help raise funds for its monthly community dinners. The event is designed to both showcase its community dinners and also highlight the social conditions in the area.
Over the past two years, the church has bankrolled the community dinners to the tune of $8,000, with funding support from groups like North Delta Rotary Club, North Delta Lions and Scottsdale Lions, Copeman-Haynes noted.
"We are looking for additional partners through this fundraiser," she said. "With a
Silent auction, one of the items is a bid to basically take on a dinner. The groceries usually cost between $350 to $400 for one of the dinners. We also have a wish list of kitchen equipment we don't have yet, and we just want people to come experience the dinner."
Event organizers are prepared for up to 200 people to attend the fundraising dinner in the church hall, at $20 per person or $150 for a table for eight. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. this Saturday. For details, call 778-593-1043 or visit www.crossroadsunited-church.ca.
tzillich@thenownewspaper.com