INNISFAIL - Employees of Johns Manville helped share the true meaning of Christmas with their first Christmas supper.
The turkey supper, held in two early evening sittings, took place Dec. 19 at the Innisfail United Church.
“It's filling up. We're hoping for more people tonight,” said Cathy Ouellette, human resources manager at Johns Manville. “We've had a great turnout of volunteers. We have over 50 volunteers from the plant, including family and friends.”
About 250 Innisfail and area residents came out to enjoy a turkey supper with all the trimmings.
Gail Holm was one of them. She invited her aunt Mary Day from Bowsman, Man. to enjoy the turkey supper with her.
“I love her being here,” said Holm of her 80-year-old aunt. “This is one of the best Christmas suppers I've been to so far.
“I think it's good that a big business like Johns Manville do this for the community,” she added. “It's nice for them to give back.”
Dave Keown was one of several Johns Manville employees volunteering at the turkey supper.
“I'm glad we're all able to get together and do this for the community,” said Keown. “People are grateful and happy to be here.”
The supper also had a Kids' Corner that offered up cookies and grab bags that included candy, a toothbrush and toothpaste from Day Dental in Innisfail, as well as books donated by the Henday Learning Centre.
“There's lots of stuff for the kids too,” said Ouellette. “We're pleased with the turnout.
“Of our 200 employees at the plant I feel like almost every one of them contributed in some way,” she added, noting the event was all about sharing the true meaning of Christmas with the people of Innisfail.
“It's not so much about whether people can afford it or not. It's really about coming out and sharing with the community and getting the Christmas spirit out there,” said Ouellette. “Next year hopefully we'll make it bigger and better,” Ouellette concluded.
Gail Holm
"I think it's good that a big business like Johns Manville do this for the community. It's nice for them to give back."
