To make the holiday season more joyous and accessible to all, there’s a list of organizations around Victoria that offer free dinners to assist those in need and on a tight budget.
We’ve put together a quick list of these places and hope that you’ll share it as widely as possible, so it may reach those who need it most.
There is another community dinner happening at the Fernwood Community Centre on December 11th, and although it isn’t free, it’s low cost for both children and adults who are looking to get an affordable meal.
Tickets for adults costs just over $6 and is just over $3 for children. You can choose to leave a donation.
To register and learn more about the event, visit the Community Centre’s event calendar and click on ‘Fernwood Community Holiday Meal.’
Without further delay, here are 7 places offering free Christmas dinners in and around Victoria:
Mustard Seed at Bay Street Armoury
The Mustard Seed Street Church invites everyone out to the Bay Street Armoury for their free Christmas community dinner on Saturday, December 16th at 12 p.m.
All are welcome to come and enjoy a warm meal!
- Where: Bay Street Armoury, 715 Bay Street
- When: Saturday, December 16th at 12 p.m.
Our Place Christmas Lunch
Our Place invites anyone that needs a warm meal and a place to socialize to their Christmas Lunch on Wednesday, December 20th.
Head downtown for a 12 p.m. lunch and socialize with the community.
- Where: Our Place Society, 919 Pandora Avenue
- When: Wednesday, December 20th at 12 p.m.
Youth Empowerment Society
The Victoria Youth Empowerment Society is offering their free Christmas lunch for youths aged 13 to 19 on Thursday, December 21st.
It will be held at their Alliance Club drop-in location and is open to any youth within the age range that needs a nice meal and the chance to socialize within a welcoming setting.
- Where: Alliance Club drop-in, 533 Yates Street
- When: Thursday, December 21st from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Gordy Dodd’s 25th Annual Christmas Dinner
This year marks a special celebration, as it’s the official 25th annual Dodd’s Our Place Christmas dinner—totaling 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.
Their menu items for this year include lots of turkey, vegetables, potatoes, and pumpkin pie for dessert. There is also coffee and tea available.
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.
For more information about Our Place Society and to make a donation, you can visit their website.
- Where: Our Place Society, 919 Pandora Avenue
- When: Thursday, December 21st from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Rainbow Kitchen Christmas Lunch
The Rainbow Kitchen is hosting both a special breakfast at 8:30 a.m. while supplies last, as well as their yearly Christmas lunch at 12 p.m.
The lunch features turkey and all the trimmings, plus there will be vegetarian options if preferred.
It’s open to anyone that may need it—stay and chat or take it to go!
- Where: Rainbows Kitchen, 500 Admirals Road
- When: Friday, December 22nd, breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and Christmas lunch at 12 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall Recovery Dinner
Organized by AA and open to the public, St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall invites everyone inside to celebrate the holiday season over a delicious Recovery Christmas Dinner.
It will take place on Monday, December 25th from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall is located in St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
- Where: St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 680 Courtney Street
- When: Monday, December 25th from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Soup Kitchen Christmas Soup
Not only will The Soup Kitchen be feeding the community, but they also plan on making it extra special for their guests!
If you’re able, donate items such as new and unused socks and underwear, toiletries, hand warmers, and baked goods to bring added joy into the lives of those who need it most.
Their food will be offered in both eat-in and take-out fashions—the exact time is to be confirmed!
- Where: The Soup Kitchen Victoria, 740 View Street
- When: To be confirmed!
Did we miss one, Victoria? Let us know in the comments or email tips@victoriabuzz.com so we can add it in!
