Helping others in need is a belief engrained in the heart and mind of east coast native Jon Chaisson.
Chaisson, who has lived in east Toronto for about seven years, was moved to do something after a fellow Beach resident recently reached out on social media for a little bit of assistance to make ends meet.
That call for help got him thinking about the holiday season and how it’s a tough time of the year – financially as well as emotionally – for many.
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"I thought, ‘let’s throw a Christmas Party on Christmas Day when people are alone," said Chaisson, who is also on his own this Christmas as flights home are full and expensive.
"It’s a tough time of the year regardless of income level."
And that’s how the Big Fat X-Mas Dinner 2014 came to be.
On Thursday, Dec. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m., area residents who, for a variety of reasons find themselves without a place to go for a hot, delicious and healthy meal, are invited to a dinner party at the Baron Byng Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1/42, 243 Coxwell Ave., just south of Gerrard Street East.
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Chaisson, who for a few years has thought about organizing an event like this for his friends, shared his idea on facebook recently and scores of people have come forward to donate food and their time.
"A lot of people are coming forward to help," he said, thanking the Royal Canadian Legion for donating its space for the inaugural event.
"The legion seats 200 people and they’ve got a full commercial kitchen. It’s exactly what we need."
An entrepreneur with a background in volunteer management and event planning, Chaisson has also prepared an information letter for corporations, groups and/or individuals interested in helping out.
"The biggest challenge is going to be getting 40 or 50 people fed," said Chaisson, who has also been in touch with some local social service agencies for referrals for people who might like to attend the event.
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