A New West resident is once again hoping to bring a little joy into the lives of local seniors.
Lisa Girardi, who operates Annie Hill Café in Dunwood Place, organized a Christmas dinner for more than 100 low-income seniors at Dunwood Place last December. Now, she’s planning to do it all again.
“My love for doing events started on Christmas Day at St. Barnabas (Church) over 15 years ago. Last year at Dunwood, I realized many residents will be spending Christmas alone, so I took what I learnt from St. B and applied it here,” she said. “I reached out for volunteers, donations for door prizes, and I also requested help to pay for a handful of tenants who were struggling financially and couldn't afford Christmas dinner.”
Girardi said she had a “generously amazing” response from the New West community. She received enough financial donations to pay for all 100 tickets – plus enough door prizes/gift cards that everyone received a little gift at the dinner.
Girardi is once again reaching out to the community for donations for the Dec. 21 event, so the $20 dinner is free for all seniors who attend. She’s still in need of donations to pay for about 35 tickets.
The tasty turkey dinner is being catered by Chef Amber Anderson from the HAVE Culinary Training Society.
In addition, Girardi is also on the search for door prizes, such as gift cards (including cards for grocery stores and local restaurants), gift baskets or items a senior would need or enjoy.
Girardi’s hope is that everyone leaves the event with a smile on their face after enjoying a delicious meal, music and door prizes, and that’s just what happened last year.
“It was the best Christmas present ever ... for me!” she said.
Girardi has operated Annie Hill Café in Dunwood Place, since March 2022, after buying it from the previous owner. The café has an all-day breakfast menu, sandwiches, soups, organic coffee, baked goods and more.
Dunwood Place, an independent living facility for nearly 200 seniors, is located at 901 Colborne St., behind royal Square Mall.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to help with this year’s dinner can email Lisa Girardi at [email protected].
