FERGUS – A group of Fergus teens is helping to spread holiday cheer by preparing, cooking and serving takeout Christmas dinners to people in need.
On Dec. 16, Autism Behavioural Services Inc., is hosting a takeout Christmas dinner from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The menu this year consists of turkey, mashed potatoes, salad and dessert. The dinner is open for all residents and families.
Held for several years prior to the pandemic, Avery Thornton, lead instructor therapist at ABS Inc., said the dinner is back after COVID put a bit of a damper on things.
“We’ve had families who have reached out that used to do our drop-in and are just really looking forward to it,” said Thornton about the event.
The dinner is being made by teens who are part of the organization’s social skills program, Thursday night Teen Group. Thornton explains the program teaches skills they will need for their development within their life, including cooking.
“They love it,” said Thornton. “We taught them for the last year how to cook and be in the kitchen and they really like to put those skills to use.”
Looking to help the teens give back to the community while following safety protocols, Thornton said about 12 teens will be helping out with the event. All teens volunteering will meet late afternoon on Dec. 16 to start cooking the turkeys and prepare the other food.
“They’re really doing all of the work behind it, which is really, really great,” said Thornton. “We just want to make sure that they are giving back to the community and to make sure the community is feeling the love and the Christmas spirit.”
In terms of community response, Thornton mentions they have already booked over 50 Christmas dinners.
“It will be a very busy day,” said Thornton.
When it comes to the community, Thornton mentions residents are excited to support the teens running the event after the dinner was cancelled last year.
“They missed it, they missed being out here and seeing all of the kids and missed their interactions with the community.”
It’s not too late to register for a Christmas dinner, adds Thornton. ABS Inc., will be accepting reservations until Dec. 8.
“We just ask a couple questions, how many dinners, and we would give them a pick-up time,” said Thornton. “When they come to pick up, obviously we just want to make sure they are following public protocols.”
To call and book a takeout Christmas dinner, residents can contact Autism Behavioural Services Inc. at 226-370-0208 or email Avery Thornton at [email protected].
