How Are You Sharing Christmas?

How Are You Sharing Christmas?

If you are like me, you might be blessed with a few events. One of them was the “Communitas Christmas Party” last week. It was work, but fun work. We should all be so lucky – see my post below. Was talking to a friend about it, and they asked me about Communitas. Here is some information.

“Communitas’ grassroots origins trace back to 1999 when Peter Huish, a local prison chaplain, was struck by the absence of support for both soon‑to‑be‑released prisoners and the communities to which they would be released. Those ‘inside’ were apprehensive and unprepared, particularly the Anglophone minority, for whom the dearth of programs and services was especially apparent. Outside the walls, consultation with community groups, victims and their families, and prisoners’ families revealed frustration at the lack of resources directed at successful reintegration and the rebuilding of relationships damaged by crime.”

My friend responded, “I hope it does not include ______.” You fill in the blank. Whatever your blank is, some are bad, and some are worse. However, it is about people helping people. In another conversation you could hear a volunteer saying, “The people are so nice here, hard to imagine that they were in prison.” Yes, hard to imagine.

Below is a Facebook post I wrote for Communitas’ Page:

“A view from the kitchen”

Last Tuesday, was our annual holiday party. People were smiling, eating, talking, and having a great time. The view from the kitchen was a little different. Don’t get me wrong. People were laughing, smiling, and talking. But there was some sweating, poking, and rushing about too.

However, kitchens have a way of helping people gather together. Kitchen parties can be the best. And the kitchen at Fulford Hall was hopping.  People generously offered plenty of food – 5 lasagnas, rice and pasta, Congolese chickens, roast pork, roti, vegan chili and vegan Sheppard’s pie, focaccias, focaccias with vegetables, Italian cold cuts on the side, samosa with sauce, Shanghai eggrolls, and much, much, more…

And did we mention deserts? Chocolates, cookies, cakes – oh, boy – chocolates, cookies and cakes…oh, boy.  

There was more food that we could consume that night. Thanks to all the people that contributed to the potluck. It was much, much appreciated.

And the extra food? Some was wrapped and taken home by guests – always appreciated. But lots was stored, and used at last week’s Table Talk. You couldn’t make it to Table Talk? Hope to see you this week for our Christmas luncheon.

Lino

PS: Thanks to all the people that set up, cleaned up, washed up, decorated, served, and of course, the 60 plus folks that attended. See you next year – but there will be plenty of Table Talks, Open Doors, and other events between now and then.

That is not to say that everyone is a saint, far from it, but people are being people. Trying to be better. Trying to share. Trying to build shattered lives. Trying to spread kindness. It is not perfect, but it works. If you want to learn more, attend a Tuesday night Open Door, or help Communitas’ doors opening, all contributions are welcome. Thanks and remember it is the Season of Kindness.

Lino Matteo ©™

Twitter @Lino_Matteo

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