Mayor's annual dinner still a treat
Published: Monday | December 22, 2008
Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie assists 85-year-old Percival Brown with a drink, at the mayor's annual Christmas dinner, on the grounds of the Kingston Parish Church yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Dressed in red T-shirts, Santa's helpers have come in the form of Scotiabank employees who volunteered their services to assist the hundreds of people who flocked to the Kingston Parish Church for the annual Mayor of Kingston dinner.
Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie said yesterday that the dinner, held in the morning at the church in downtown Kingston, was the last of four Christmas dinners, which started on December 6 and catered to the elderly across the parish.
More persons
"This is a special year as we have seen an increase in the number of persons provided for over the last couple of days," McKenzie said as he addressed members of the community during the function.
McKenzie remarked that the increase was influenced by the economic crisis, but praised Scotiabank for its $500,000 donation, which allowed the tradition to be maintained.
"Despite the economic downturn, Nova Scotia ensured that we were able to make Christmas bright and merry for you," he said.
The dinners, which have taken place annually since the mayor took office at the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) in 2003, involved the assistance of councillors' Audley Gordon, deputy Mayor Lee Clarke, among others.
McKenzie stressed that the dinner was of greater importance this year, considering the fallout of the global economy, as some diners expressed to The Gleaner.
Self-employed Michael Wor-thington, 40, was invited to the function by a friend and welcomed the gesture from the mayor.
Making the most of it
Worthington said that, due to the cool, calm-spirited atmosphere, despite financial struggles ahead, he anticipated making the most of the festive season.
"This is my first time here, I usually walk past here, but I am hoping to have some enjoyment for Christmas," he said.
Joan Bingham, 67, said the function was a wonderful event for people who might not have a nice Christmas.
On New Year's Day, the mayor, along with a team of councillors from the KSAC, will take to the streets of the municipality and feed around 750 people.
'Despite the economic downturn, Nova Scotia ensured that we were able to make Christmas bright and merry.'
