Traditional Christmas Dinner Committee Announce Major Sponsorship

Pictured L to R: Frank McGwire (Media Relations Director, WTCD), Vicki Davis (Westoba Credit Union), Jamie Antonation (Compass Credit Union), Heather Merckx (Sunrise Credit Union), Kyle Enns (Fusion Credit Union.)

As preparations for the 39th annual Westman and Area Traditional Christmas Dinner continue, the organizing committee has some wonderful news to share. One of the main ingredients of the meal to be served is turkey. Over the years, the number of meals served at the dinner has increased to 3000! That requires well over 100 turkeys to be cooked and carved. This year’s turkey budget will now be covered thanks to sponsorship by the Credit Unions in Brandon. “Sunrise Credit Union is thrilled to partner up with our fellow Brandon-based credit unions to once again make the Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner a resounding success in 2024,” said Heather Merckx, Marketing Manager for Sunrise Credit Union.

To make their sponsorship official, representatives from each Brandon Credit Union met at the venue where the dinner will be served. “This Dinner is a cornerstone of the community, creating a festive ambiance, a familial bond, and a delightful Christmas meal setting. We want everyone to feel the love and importance of this Christmas,” said Merckx.

Since 1985 The Traditional Christmas Dinner has been offering fellowship and a meal on Christmas Day to those who may otherwise go without. “It’s that one day of the year that means so much to so many. The effort our group puts forth exemplifies the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. For some that may mean opening presents. To us it means opening our hearts as we prepare for yet another Christmas Dinner,” said WTCD Board Chair Gladden Smith. A major part of preparations for the dinner includes finding sponsors and garnering support. “Without this kind of support from the Brandon Credit Unions we may not be able to continue this tradition, we are grateful for their support,” Smith said.

Serving times for the 2024 edition of the WTCD will be from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the MNP Hall at the Keystone Centre. Meal deliveries will also run from noon until 4 p.m. however, all meal deliveries must be ordered by December 23rd at 6 p.m. To order your meal call the WTCD office at 204-728-7987. Only one meal per person please.

For more information visit our website www.traditionalchristmasdinner.ca or visit our Facebook page here.