The Anglican Church Hall in Shawville was packed to the gunwales for the Shawville Lions Club’s annual seniors supper on Friday evening, where 110 seniors were fed a Christmas meal free of charge. 

A traditional dinner of tourtière, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and dessert, catered by Café 349 in Shawville, was paid for by the Lions club and served to the hungry guests by a cheerful team of volunteers.

The event was formerly put on by the Shawville Lionettes, a tradition since at least 1978. After the Lionettes folded during the pandemic, the Lions stepped up to the plate to keep the tradition alive.

Lion Ed Walsh, who helped organize the event, said the event is for seniors who might not otherwise get a chance to eat a Christmas dinner, adding that in order to be eligible seniors must live alone. 

“Some of them don’t have family, so this is their Christmas,” he said. “It puts a big smile on a lot of their faces, and it allows them to get out and see their friends.”

Santa Claus made sure to stop in to deliver some presents, all the while a local band consisting of Laird Graham and friends delivered festive tunes.

Walsh said it’s well worth the work to put on the event when he sees the smiles on the seniors’ faces as they enjoy the meal, the music and the festive atmosphere.

“This is our contribution back to the senior population,” he said.