Christmas On The Street

~ A Great Day on Nob Hill ~

Last night, December 26, More than 250 dinners were  professionally prepared and served to people in need - plus 

30 more meals went out the next day -

It was a dark and stormy night - and cold - but love and determination brought neighbours friends and families 

together in the creation of a remarkable act of kindness and generosity. Sure, there were tents. But what would we do 

with out those tarps to keep the wind at bay. A few high-powered industrial lights and a patio propane heater made 

the atmosphere cozy. Nanaimo, Nob Hill, Wisteria Lane - Be Proud.The place? In Wisteria lane which lies just inside the border of Nanaimo’s Nob Hill neighbourhood.The vision? It all started with the idea and the follow-through by dreamer/organizer Tanya Hiltz assisted with heavy lifting and logistic planning by her husband Doug Hiltz and near-by neighbour Stathi Tsangaris. All three are Directors 

of the Nob Hill Community Association. Plus Darren and Jennifer Kurucz.The food? 28 turkeys, 11 hams, fresh salads, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce (Yellow Point Cranberry Farm), roasted vegetables, Food Genie (lasagna & chicken pies), Cobb’s bread, Coffee Regard Coffee, McDonalds (Nicol Street), Tim Hortons (Wallace) and juice - followed by a desert table that rivalled Bellini’s Feast of the Gods -The certified kitchen? Thanks to Executive Director Lesley Clarke.at the Women’s Center for providing the kitchen at Food Share on Pine Ave.The Chef? Lorraine, Marni, Ben, Dan, Myles and all the Vault, Rod B. (cranberry sauce).The Suppliers? Paradise Island, Nicol Street Pawnbrokers, V.I.P. Pawnbrokers, Black Bear Pub, Deep Blue Restaurant, 

Gabriel’s, Superette, Bold Knight, Calico Cat Tea House, Longwood Brew Pub ($), Bocca Cafe, Yours and Mine.The Facilities? DNIBA, Re Max, Superstore, Patti’s Party Place, Triple T Party Place, The West Side Dispensary - set-up and take-down, helpers from everywhere in Nanaimo.The Gifts? Rona (gifts for the homeless), Aladdin’s, numerous friends from near and far, and Linda R.The Music? Paul Gogo and his troubadours who provided folk-funky soulful holiday songs which caused EVERYONE to sing.Distinguished Guest: Mayor Bill McKay.Welcomed Guests: People in need.And never forgetting - a HUGE THANK YOU to the volunteers 

from near and far ~~~ for everything you did to make this day super special -

A special holiday celebration brought warmth to the season on Nanaimo’s streets earlier this week.The second annual Christmas on the Street, organized by the Nob Hill Community Association, was held Tuesday on Nicol Street for 500 people. The intent was to provide dinner, warmth, gifts and cheer to the city’s homeless and low-income people.

Organizers said it went well and people couldn’t say enough about how good the food was and how much they enjoyed the musical entertainment. Event organizers even handled an unexpected venue change.“Our backup plan was back to our grassroots, where we hedld the first one, under tents,” said Doug Hiltz, a member of the Nob Hill association.

He thanked sponsors and donors who helped make the event successful. There were donations of food as well as loans of sound gear and other logistical equipment needed to put on the event. The Nob Hill Community Association was also able to hand out, to people in need, backpacks filled with items such as hoodies, socks, underwear, mitts, tuques, scarves, personal hygiene items, jewelry, makeup and the like.

“Our slogan is helping community…” Hiltz said. “We’ve never said we’re a neighbourhood group, we’re always a community group. We’re based out of the sout end of town, but we will go anywhere to help.”

NANAIMO — The giving season will carry on through Boxing Day for Nanaimo’s homeless and struggling families. 

Christmas on the Street, held on the alley driveway from Milton to Finlayson St., will offer a hot meal and support for anyone in need on Wednesday, Dec. 26. It’s run by the same organization behind Stone Soup, which provides free meals from a home along the alley driveway every night. 

Organizer Tanya Hiltz said they want to bring smiles and joy to the often tough holiday season.