Last night ILT hosted the first of two, over 70’s Christmas dinners at Ascot Park Hotel to celebrate the festive season.
The eagerly anticipated dinner is back in full swing after taking a brief break in 2021, due to COVID restrictions.
This year 700 guests will enjoy the hosted dinner, with ILT board members and staff volunteering their time to serve guests. The lucky ticket holders enjoy a three course meal, good company and entertainment from local acts throughout the evening.
ILT president Paddy O’Brien said the board and staff look forward to this event every year.
“Last year we delivered over 900 Christmas parcels but nothing beats being able to enjoy each other’s company in person’’, he said.
“The dinner is a great opportunity to connect with this part of our community and recognise the ongoing contribution they make to our city,’’ said Mr O’Brien.
ILT chief executive, Chris Ramsay shares this sentiment.
“We are delighted to be hosting the Christmas dinners again this year. We know it’s an occasion that is marked early in the calendar by both ILT and our guests”, he said.
“It’s all about recognising and thanking the older members of our community. We want them to be able to relax and let us take care of them for the evening”, said Mr Ramsay.
Every year ILT invites those city residents over the age of 70 to apply to be a guest at the Christmas dinners. The lucky recipients are drawn randomly to enjoy the festivities. Since it began in 1993 more than 25,000 dinners have been served. Numbers for the 2022 event have been limited to 350 guests per night to ensure health and safety requirements are maintained.
