KAMLOOPS — The smell of turkey dinner filled the halls of NorKam Senior Secondary today, as the school hosted its 6th annual Christmas meal.
Around 800 students were fed this afternoon with what has now become an established holiday event for the community.
Retired teacher, now volunteer, Lindsey Karpluk says the Christmas meal tradition started six years ago when Jonathan Brady took over as principal at NorKam, and hasn’t let up since.
“And I know sometimes the staff was a little skeptical,” He says, “But my God, you talk to any staff here, and they’ll tell you this is really good thing for the school and for the community.”
Around 800 students packed the gym for the meal, as nearly 60 volunteers made sure everything ran smoothly, and everyone was fed.
“Its always positive, and its one of the highlights of the year,” Karpluk explains, “I’m sure Mr. Brady gets close to 100 per cent participation from the student body; I bet that there is very few absentees today.”
The meal includes all the classic Christmas fixings, such as gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and of course, turkeys — which were provided by Safeway.
Brady says the event is no small undertaking, and certainly has no lack of enthusiasm.
“I think the most important reason why we do this is because the kids are thankful and grateful. They have a true appreciation for the effort that’s put in over the last three days to put this meal together for them.”
That appreciation from the student body is why many of the same volunteers, like retired NorKam teacher Sandie Keetch, come back each year to help out.
“When Jonathan says they’re respectul, that is so much the case. When you have this many students in a room, it would be so easy not to be, and they are just genuine human beings, and they are very respectful of how they are treated, and how they treat you,” she explains. “I just think its an amazing place, and I”ll come back for as many years as I can to help out, because its a worthwhile cause.”
The charitable meal prep doesn’t end here. Principal Brady says volunteers will now gear up for round two tomorrow afternoon.
“So we started helping our feeder elementary school at A.E Perry, and so we’ll feel another 300 kids with the help of Safeway, for them to have a Christmas meal as well.”
It’s all part of continuing the tradition for the community.
