Ponoka residents are invited to a free Community Christmas Dinner today, December 25, 2025, at the Ponoka United Church. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. for two sittings — 11:00 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. — to serve a traditional holiday meal to anyone in the community.
Organized by community volunteers led by event coordinator Val Schabert and supported by the Town of Ponoka and local businesses, the dinner will be held in the church hall at 5020 52 Ave. Details are listed on the Town of Ponoka’s events page and in the Ponoka United Church / Ponoka News announcement.
Residents who need a ride can book the HandiVan service (in-town bookings: 403-783-0399; out-of-town bookings: 403-783-9752). For general assistance, contact Ponoka FCSS at 403-783-4462. Homebound seniors and those with mobility challenges can arrange a take-home or delivered meal by contacting Ponoka FCSS in advance.
“We typically do it in one room, but we are going to make it work with the two halls,” said Schabert, the event’s coordinator. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for the Ponoka Food Bank. Donations to help fund future dinners can be made through Ponoka FCSS, at the church, or via local collection points (Ponoka News also noted donations may be accepted at Servus Credit Union or by contacting the event coordinator).
