Volunteers from a pair of local groups will be offering a free Christmas-themed community meal on Christmas Eve. (Kyle Ireland/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

holiday help

‘Radical hospitality’ inspiring free Christmas Eve community meal in Nanaimo

Dec 22, 2025 | 5:33 AM

NANAIMO — A free, hot, home-cooked meal is being offered for those who need it this holiday season.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church, in partnership with the Nanaimo 7-10 Club, are hosting a free traditional Christmas dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. inside the church at 100 Chapel St.

Volunteer church warden Joy Adams Bauer told NanaimoNewsNOW they’re expecting between 250 and 300 people, but will ensure no-one leaves hungry.

“We’ve done a Thanksgiving lunch with the 7-10 Club, and I think there are around 250 that came to that. We do also do a free neighborhood lunch on Sunday’s after church…and we get lots of folks who are either the working poor who live in the neighborhood, or who are living rough on the streets.”

No pre-registration is required and those interested in joining the event are just asked to show up.

plan ahead

Sailing alerts and other tools expanding ahead of busy long weekend on BC Ferries

1h ago

dry march

March storms drench much of coastal B.C., save the Nanaimo area

17h ago

pain at the pumps

'Not looking real good:' B.C. has highest average gas price in Canada

21h ago

Roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes and vegetables will be on offer.

Members of the congregation will help with the cooking and serving, while staff and volunteers from the Nanaimo 7-10 Club will be on hand to help as well.

Adams Bauer said these sorts of events allow them to practice what she dubbed “radical hospitality” for those who need some help.

“Inviting anybody who comes across our doorstep to come and join us and just have some hospitality. We’re not saying you need to join the church, we’re not saying you need to believe in Jesus Christ, we’re simply saying come and join us and get to know us.”

Around 175 people regularly attend services at the church, and many will be on hand Wednesday helping out.

The church also runs a regular lunch program after its Sunday services, which has grown in popularity over the last year.

“More and more parishioners are staying and breaking bread, if you will, and sitting with with people from the community, getting to know them and that sense of community and fellowship, especially at this time of year, is so important, but we we try to offer that 24/7 365.”

We’re on Bluesky! Stay up to date on news across central Vancouver Island through Bluesky, by following @NanaimoNewsNOW.bsky.social.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook