Penticton family intent on feeding needy again this Christmas, despite pandemic | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
Subscribe

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?

Penticton News

Penticton family intent on feeding needy again this Christmas, despite pandemic

Ashley Fagan, Matthew Smethurst along with their kids Julia and Kai will be hosting a big Christmas dinner.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Ashley Fagan

While COVID-19 has reduced social interactions around the globe, a Penticton family has gone out of their way to make sure it doesn’t put a damper on what it means to be a good neighbour.

Armed with wagons full of cards, cookies, kettle corn and more, Ashley Smethurst and her brood went out and handed out tasty bundles of cheer to their fellow Pentictonites this week.

“(We) took three trips with three full wagons each trip... I posted it afterwards with lots of blessings and thanks from everyone,” Smethurst said.

Comments from appreciative neighbours poured onto social media, reinforcing her decision to do it again.

“Christmas is about giving and this year is definitely important to put smiles on faces and our family enjoys the feeling of giving… doing something for others warms your heart.”

It’s not her first go around with this kind of neighbourly gesture. Last Christmas, Smethurst made Christmas dinner for anyone who didn’t have one already set up. In all, they fed a turkey feast to around 50 people.

She’s going to be back at it again, only this time adapting to COVID-19 physical distancing parameters by doing a Christmas dinner handout, with door pickup.

“This year due to COVID-19 measures it will be take-home only.”

She said those interested can get in touch with her through Facebook, and set up a meal pickup for as many as you need.

Her aim is to attract people who aren’t just hungry, but also those who are lonely and don’t want to cook a big meal for just one or two people.

“Share the love, share the season and fill up some bellies,” she said. “Everyone has a story, a past and a future. No one is left out — bless everyone.”

She said she’s going to reveal the menu next month and friends and family, as well as neighbourhood businesses, have chipped in to make it work.

Her one ask is that people who are interested let their needs be known.

“Please don’t be afraid to message so we have an idea how much to make for Christmas,” she said, adding contacting her on Facebook is how people can get themselves or someone they know a meal.

And, in case there were doubters, she said that anyone who knows her knows she’s a great cook.

For more information go to Smethurst's Facebook page.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2020
iNFOnews

  • Popular vernon News
View Site in: Desktop | Mobile