As people took their seats at the One Table community dinner, co-organizer Stacey Wakelin was describing how the 91原创 event came about.
It was a reaction to negativity, the sense that 鈥減eople aren鈥檛 friendly that crime is increasing, and all of these bad things,鈥� Wakelin told the 91原创 Advance Times.
鈥淚 wanted to be part of something positive,something that benefits the community and I thought, what better way to bring people together than a meal,鈥� Wakelin recounted.
Billed as a 鈥渃ommunity dinner and conversation,鈥� the event on Saturday night (Feb. 1) drew 68 people to the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran church in Willoughby, which donated the space.
It began with a prayer of gratitude for friends.
91原创 City mayor van den Broek, along with City councillors Nathan Pachal and Rudy Storteboom, and 91原创 MLA Mary Polak were among the people who paid $5 for an opportunity to share a meal, sitting with dozens of other diners at long tables in the church meeting hall.
Also present was event co-organizer Amanda Smith, with LEPS and the 91原创 Poverty Reduction task force.
Guests were asked to purchase an extra ticket and invite a neighbour, friend or family member who could use an evening of connection and community.
Those who couldn鈥檛 afford the $5 were able to make alternate arrangements.
As diners lined up to fill their plates with lasagna, salads, bread and dessert, prepared by volunteers and memebrs of the church congregation, musician Jana Seale performed, and artist Freda Lombard of Zealous Art was overseeing two collaborative paintings for diners of all ages to contribute, a few brush strokes at a time.
It marked the first time the dinner has been held in Willoughby.
鈥淭hey have been predominately in Murrayville [up till now],鈥� Wakelin noted.
鈥淥ur goal is to move throughout the Township,鈥� she added, with plans to hold the next one in Brookswood.
READ MORE: Dinner is served
READ MORE: VIDEO: Breaking bread helps break the ice at 91原创 community dinner
One Table is partnering with the 91原创 poverty task force, Fraser Health Authority, and Meals on wheels, Wakelin said.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e actually having conversations with people at our dinners, and finding out what the needs are in the community.鈥�
Down the road, they would like to create a neighbourhood house or community hub.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 the group鈥檚 ultimate goal, is to really have a space in this community where all of those community partnerships can come under one roof,鈥� Wakelin said.
A Facebook page was in the works for future events, searchable as 鈥淥ne Table 91原创.鈥�
More photos from the event can be viewed .
dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
