There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to give back to the community!
Gordy Dodd, owner of Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress, is forever looking out for his neighbours and has been hosting annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for people in need since 1998.
This year marks a special celebration, as it’s the official 25th annual Dodd’s Our Place Christmas dinner—totalling over 25,000 meals served since he began.
The dinner will be served Thursday, December 21st at Our Place Society from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“It is this city and the community that helped make me successful, so I wanted to find ways to give back and give thanks,” Mr. Dodd said.
Mr. Dodd first immigrated to Canada in 1967, and 10 years later, started his first cozy furniture store in downtown Victoria.
Since then, Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress has grown to become Vancouver Island’s largest independent furniture retailer, with locations in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River!
So, when he started thinking about doing these dinners 25 years ago, it was all to give back to the people that had helped him feel at home on the island.
He said that working with Our Place has been the most fulfilling, because he knows that the food is going to those that need it most and that we all must work together to help vulnerable people.
“[Our Place visitors] wait every year for Gordy Dodd’s dinners. I see them around and they always ask ‘when is it?’ and say ‘we will be over there,’ so I’m feeling good and want to keep it going.”
He believes that his family values and religion taught him the importance of community involvement, especially over the holidays when others don’t have the same safety net.
“I’m comfortable in my life and thankful for it, so I’m happy to help others who need a little more comfort,” he said.
“It’s hard work to plan the dinner, but it’s worth it.”
Mr. Dodd shared that the planning starts around a month and a half in advance with discussions regarding the meal, how much food they’ll need, and how they want to advertise it.
All of these steps are important but take much needed time to ensure they can provide for everyone in the most efficient way possible.
Their menu items for this year include lots of turkey, vegetables, potatoes, and pumpkin pie for dessert. There is also coffee and tea available.
“People come up for seconds or want to take some of it with them, and that’s more than okay.”
The meal is done cafeteria style, so a few volunteers will be there to help serve the meal onto plates and Mr. Dodd will be there keeping things organized and making sure everyone’s needs are met.
Leftovers are handled by Our Place, who give visitors the option to eat leftovers the following days should they choose to.
“We’re all excited and feeling good,” he said.
“I’m doing my part, and I think everybody should have this kind of thinking and try to fight homelessness and poverty.”
For more information about Our Place Society and to make a donation, you can visit their website.
Gordy Dodd’s 25th Annual Christmas Dinner
- Where: Our Place Society, 919 Pandora Avenue
- When: Thursday, December 21st from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
