The Earl Naswell Community Christmas Society (ENCCS) wrapped up another season of its annual Christmas Dinner on Dec. 25.

Having cooked and distributed more than 800 meals throughout the Valley this year, the initiative鈥檚 primary goal is to assist those in need in enjoying a holiday feast.

Justin White, the president of the ENCCS, was at Courtenay鈥檚 Filberg Centre to ensure the success of the event, which celebrated its 42nd anniversary.

鈥淚nside each meal bag is turkey and ham, along with Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, veggies, a dessert, and a goodie bag filled with sweets,鈥� said White. 鈥淓very meal is placed into a bag that鈥檚 been hand-painted by elementary kids.鈥�

White highlighted that none of this would have been possible without the help of 50 dedicated volunteers, some of whom have been participating in this tradition for the past three decades.

Cooking more than 1,000 pounds of turkey and 100 kilograms of ham, the team started cooking on Dec. 23 to ensure that everything would be ready in time for Christmas.

Proud of how the event turned out, White mentioned that the event, which started in humble beginnings, has kept growing ever since 1981.

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