Christmas is over a month away, but prep work on a local initiative has already started.
The Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization hosts its annual Free Christmas Dinner on Dec. 25. This year marks the 57th anniversary of the community event.
The gathering is open for everyone and is set to take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the LSCO in downtown Lethbridge.
Executive director Kaitlynn Weaver said the LSCO’s focus right now is on raising funds for the long-standing initiative. “As everybody would probably understand, providing meals for free is getting more and more expensive,” she told My Lethbridge Now.
Weaver explained that every meal costs about $15 per person and based off last year’s turnout of around 1,000, any donation, no matter how big or small, will be a big help.
Those hoping to donate can visit the LSCO office in-person or donate online. Those donating will get a charitable tax receipt.
Meals are not only offered on-site at the LSCO but are delivered around the community to Meals on Wheels clients, the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, Wood’s Homes, and on-duty fire and police officers, to ensure everyone can enjoy a hot meal on Christmas.
“We are able to thank people at Christmas dinner, if they’re interested, to receive some acknowledgement at the Christmas dinner, just on the table itself, and then on the meals that go out for Meals on Wheels, and to the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, to Wood’s Homes and to on-duty fire and police officers,” Weaver added.
She said local partners inform the LSCO in advance of how many meals they will need. As of this week, Weaver said the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen is requesting about 200 meals.
She added that their fundraising goal is $25,000.
That goal has received an initial boost, thanks to 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union sponsoring the event. Weaver said 1st Choice Savings team members are reaching out to other partners in the local business community to help with the fundraising.
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
Weaver said the dinner provides a light for some people whose holiday may otherwise be a little dark. “The dinner is open to anybody who needs a warm meal, and we are actually able to provide free transportation from 94 Cabs, Lady Pink Cabs and Fifth Avenue Cabs, which is pretty amazing that they are supporting on Christmas day,” she remarked.
Weaver said she volunteered at the dinner in 2025, and it was an incredible experience seeing “all the folks connecting with each other.”
“Some people came alone; some people came in with their families,” she stated, adding that tables are mixed and matched to help people make new connections.
Weaver said one group during last year’s event asked her to take a photo.
She asked the group if they were friends or family, to which they replied, “Well, we didn’t know each other before but now we are family and friends.”
“It was the sweetest, most heartwarming moment on Christmas day that I’ve ever experienced as someone who participates in Christmas each year,” Weaver said.
She said to give back and provide a chance for strangers to become friends is one of her favourite parts of the holiday event.
“We’re so honoured and privileged to be able to provide this service every single year and hopefully every year after because it’s so meaningful to our community, and it does exactly what the holiday season is supposed to do, which is connect each other and make friends and share food and just have a warm and happy holiday.”
Those looking to help can make a financial donation but are also invited to volunteer for the event. “That’s what Lethbridge is all about, is supporting our community, and we’re so grateful,” Weaver added.
More information on the Free Christmas Dinner is available on the LSCO website.
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