It may look different than years past, but the Friendship Inn will continue with its annual Christmas dinner.
“We are open every day of the year. We serve breakfast and lunch every single day. Christmas Day will be no different — other than being entirely different because of COVID. We can’t offer the same kind of ‘family-style, come and enjoy a great meal’ with our atmosphere. We have to do it with COVID protocols,” Sandra Kary, the executive director of the community centre, said Tuesday.
Currently, the Friendship Inn is offering both takeaway and dine-in options. COVID protocols are in place for both, with guests having to sign in, face shields and masks required for all staff, social distancing and additional sanitizing.
Aside from the extra work, things have gone pretty well at the facility, according to the executive director.
“We are managing OK. It does definitely take us a longer time to properly seat anyone or go through the takeaway line, but so far so good,” Kary said.
For the Christmas dinner, the facility will be offering a full turkey supper with limited dining and full takeaway options.
Kary said the Friendship Inn is doing well on volunteers this year, but is booking for the new year now.
Currently, the Friendship Inn is also looking for donations in its “Fill the Plate Holiday Campaign.” As well, Nutrien will match all donations up to $100,000 for the campaign.