Santa and his elves came early to Tri-Cities women and children last week during a holiday meal in Port Coquitlam.
On Thursday (Dec. 1) chefts from Astoria Retirement Residence served up a turkey dinner to 100 women and children.
The annual meal, which was put on hiatus during COVID-19, returned to the Thursday Warm Place for Women gathering at the Kinsmen Hall.
Chef Lewis Hawley, executive chef at the Astoria Retirment Residence, and assistant chef, Soraya Zelaya de Torres, volunteered to make the food, which was donated by Astoria, while Mayfair Terrace Retirment Residence donated the pies.
Members from the Soroptimist Interational TriCities volunteered their time and even Santa showed up to entertain guests, along with a musical performr.
Astoria's Kristy Laughy said there were "a lot of happy faces" in attendance as volunteers served up plates of turkey, cranberry stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and pumpkin pie and whip cream for dessert.
Chef Hawley told the Tri-City News that he enjoys contributing to the community.
"Port Coquitlam is such a close-knit community and we are lucky to be a part of that, to be able give back to the community and see smiles on so many faces. Last night was really heartwarming," said Hawley.
