Another successful Salvation Army Christmas Dinner as upwards of 700 people braved a snow storm blowing through Windsor to attend the annual event.
There were 170 volunteers helping to serve the packed dining hall at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on Wednesday night.
The Salvation Army Band entertained the happy crowd with renditions of "Silver Bells" and "Do You Hear What I Hear" with the small group of musicians working as the focal point of the room.
Eric Turner from Windsor says it's an evening he doesn't like to miss.
"We try to make it out to the dinner every year, even through the crazy weather — dedicated fans; love the service, love the atmosphere, the love in the air, Christmas time," says Turner. "I've been coming here for a long time, I'm just glad that I get to share it with my kids now right?"
The annual Salvation Army Christmas Dinner is held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts in Windsor on December 13, 2017. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Turkey smothered in gravy served alongside steamed veggies with plenty of bread was the main course before a sundae dish of ice cream topped off with piped cream and chocolate drizzle helped to sweetly round out the evening. Christmas trees on either end of the room helped add a warm glow while the blowing snow added a picturesque backdrop.
Fellow Windsorite, Sherry Thompson, says the Salvation Army holds a special place in her heart.
"I have newspaper articles of my grandfather trying to get help when him and my grandmother first got married, he was turned down by the city for welfare and it was the Salvation Army that helped him out."
The annual Salvation Army Christmas Dinner is held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts in Windsor on December 13, 2017. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Marc Plurde from Windsor says the Salvation Army was there for him in his past having lived under the group's roof seven years ago.
"They're amazing people," says Plurde. "They take people in who have no homes or if they have an addiction — whether it's drugs or alcohol — they try to help them out. They actually do a phenomenal job with the community."
Meantime, the Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign in Windsor is struggling to reach the $315,000 goal.
Click here to find out how to get involved.