‘They’re part of the family’: Saskatoon groups offer Christmas meals for those alone

Christmas often brings images of friends and family gathered around a table. But for many, being surrounded by loved ones isn’t the reality.

In Saskatoon, several organizations are preparing to open their doors on Christmas Day, offering not just a meal but a sense of togetherness for those who may otherwise be alone.

Inside the Park Town Hotel, tables are being set and Christmas dinner will soon be served. While some reservations are for large groups hoping to skip the cooking, many are for couples and individuals dining on their own.

“It’s happy. It’s the music, the atmosphere. It’s just a great feeling,” Tracey Doell from the Park Town Hotel told CTV News.

She said staff make a special effort to ensure solo diners feel welcome.

“People that come individually on their own - we make them feel like they’re part of the family,” she said.

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Across the city, volunteers at Grosvenor Park United Church are also preparing for Christmas Day. For nearly a decade, the church has hosted a free Christmas dinner for those with nowhere else to go.

“We started this nine or 10 years ago because we see so many that have no place to go to share Christmas dinner and that sense of community,” volunteer Fran Forsberg said.

The dinner welcomes newcomers to Canada, people experiencing homelessness, international students far from family and others.

“There are students that come. There are gender- and sexually-diverse humans who are not welcome at their family celebrations,” Forsberg said.

Though the small church has only about 100 members, it comes together in a big way. The generous members provide the main dishes, like turkey or ham, while others contribute potluck-style sides and desserts.

The number of guests is never certain. Organizers estimate around 100 people will attend, but they trust things will work out.

“We go a little bit on faith that we will have enough,” said the church’s pastor. “And we’ve always had enough.”

Another Christmas meal will also be served at the Friendship Inn, ensuring no one has to go without food or fellowship on the holiday.

For those opening their doors on Christmas Day, it’s about far more than a meal. It’s about creating a little bit of Christmas magic and reminding people they’re not alone.