East York Seniors’ Christmas Dinner volunteers set to deliver holiday cheer on Dec. 25

By AMARACHI AMADIKE

For the 42nd year running, East York Seniors’ Christmas Dinner will be bringing a little holiday cheer to Beaches-East York and Toronto-Danforth senior residents.

Although created as a way to bring seniors together during the holiday season, the program recently experienced a transition towards food deliveries following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kam Babulal, who has been in charge of operations for almost 26 years, told Beach Metro Community News that the program will stay as a delivery operation as it allows for the service of more seniors on Christmas Day.

“Because the numbers have gotten so high, we decided it’s better, much easier, and much cheaper,” said Babulal.

Under Babulal’s leadership, the East York Seniors’ Christmas Dinner has expanded to delivering meals to 450 seniors on Dec. 25.

With fire regulations only allowing for 250 people to gather at the East York Community Centre on Pape Avenue, the program has grown too big to be hosted at its usual location.

“Some seniors are missing out on (coming together),” said Babulal. “But, on the other side of it, some weren’t able to participate in the past because a lot of them couldn’t get out. It goes both ways.”

Babulal said that on Christmas Day, volunteers will instead deliver meals to various seniors homes where participating residents can then enjoy the meals in the comfort of their usual surroundings.

“We don’t deliver to individual homes,” said Babulal.

With help from Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher, Beaches East-York Councillor Brad Bradford, and other volunteers, the East York Seniors’ Christmas Dinner will deliver Christmas meals to residents at seven different senior homes across the community.

These include Blair Court (266 Donlands Ave.); East York Acres (9 Haldon Ave.); Broadview Manor (80 Danforth Ave.); Greenwood Towers (145 Strathmore Blvd.); Westminster Court (156 Floyd Ave.); McClintock Manor (730 Pape Ave.); and Canadian Macedonian Place (850 O’Connor Dr.)

Continuing with trusted partners of the past three Christmas dinners, the main course will come courtesy of Swiss Chalet.

The program will also receive donations from Food Basics, Sobeys, No Frills, Foodland, The Big Carrot, and Peek Freans bakery, all of which have participated in the past.

Babulal said she is appreciative of the support shown by the community which has enabled her to continue the work she’s been doing for almost three decades.

“It’s a pleasure doing this dinner,” said Babulal. “Some people have families, but some don’t. To provide assistance to the people who really need a meal on Christmas Day, it’s very fulfilling.”

For information on how to volunteer or to make a donation to the East York Seniors’ Christmas Dinner, contact Councillor Fletcher’s office at councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca