No One Hungry This Christmas
Our Free Christmas Day Dinner Returns
At Quo Vadis Pizzeria, Christmas has always been about more than food,
it’s about community, care, and coming together. After seeing the incredible response last year, we are honoured to once again open our doors to ensure no one goes hungry this Christmas.
On Christmas Day, December 25, Quo Vadis Pizzeria in Chatham will be serving a free warm Christmas dinner to anyone who needs it.
Whether you are alone, struggling, or simply looking for a place to share a meal, you are welcome here.
A Second Year of Giving Back
Last year, we expected to serve about 100 people. Instead, close to 500 meals were shared on Christmas Day. The need was greater than we imagined and so was the generosity of this community. Because of that overwhelming response, we knew we had to do it again.
This year, we are preparing to serve at least 700 meals, and we will do everything we can to make sure everyone who comes through our doors is taken care of.
We’re going to make sure we have enough food for at least 700 people.
And if more people show up, we’ll figure something out.
How This All Began
This event started with the big heart of Michael Day, a Quo Vadis employee who began organizing a fundraiser to provide free Christmas Day turkey dinners. Things grew quickly when Michael approached Harshana (owner of Quo Vadis Pizzeria) about hosting the dinner at the restaurant.
“It went really well last year,” Michael says. “It went really smooth.”
For Harshana, opening the restaurant on Christmas Day was an easy decision.
“Jesus brought hope to this world, this is our way of giving it back,” he says.
“With the economy the way it is, a lot of people are struggling right now.
We just want to help.”
Michael Day, left, Harshana Fernando, and Kristy Gold.
Picture courtesy of Ellwood Shreve/Chatham Daily News
Community Support Makes This Possible
This Christmas dinner is truly a community effort. We are incredibly grateful for the volunteers who have stepped up to help, including more than 10 people offering to deliver meals on Christmas Day.
We are also thankful to our partners and friends, including The Elephant’s Nest, where Michael has worked closely with manager Kristy Gold for years to help provide holiday meals to those in need.
“Mikey’s big heart started this event years ago,” Kristy says. “Then my organization and the generosity of businesses like Harshana and Quo Vadis teamed up. This charity event is really bringing the community together.”
Thanks to fundraising efforts, including a Nov. 22 event at The Elephant’s Nest, and the support of local businesses such as Andy’s Place, The Garden on King, The Satellite Restaurant, and the Chatham Branch 642 Legion, we are also able to offer something new this year.
New This Year: Christmas Dinner Baskets
In addition to the Christmas Day meal, we are giving away 20 turkey dinner baskets for families who would prefer to cook their holiday meal at home. Each basket includes everything needed to prepare a traditional Christmas dinner.
“We know things are tough,” Kristy adds, “and the Christmas holidays shouldn’t be one of those times when people have to go without.”
Please Help Us Share This Message
If you or someone you know could use a warm meal on Christmas Day, please help us spread the word. No registration is required, just come by, call ahead for take-out or delivery, or let someone know this is available.
We are proud to be part of a community that looks out for one another, especially during the holidays. From all of us at Quo Vadis Pizzeria, thank you for helping us make sure no one goes hungry this Christmas.
Christmas Day Dinner Details
📍 Quo Vadis Pizzeria
316 St. Clair St., Chatham,
ON N7L 3K
🕛 Christmas Day – December 25
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
🍽 Options available:
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Dine-in
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Take-out
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Delivery (call by December 22)
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📞 To arrange take-out or delivery: 519-351-2333
The meal will include a traditional Christmas dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and more.