Students in Maidstone set aside their gadgets and car keys, put on their best dress clothes and spent some time with some important members of the community Sunday night.
The community's Golden Age Supper forthose over 70 was a tradition for a long time, but with the volunteer age rising and the busyness of the community, it was set aside and was missing from the social calendar for two years.
This year, two students in the Leadership 30 class at Maidstone High School decided to bring it back.
The class offers students in Grade 12 the opportunity to build leadership skills and each participant must complete two projects, one in the school and one in the community. Ali Franks and Beth Nerbas saw the project as valuable and began the planning in November.
"There were people who said they couldn't believe the two of us could do it," said Ali, but the community was generous and they had many offers of help and calls from people offering advice.
Businesses donated over $600 and boxes set at the tills in local businesses brought in another $400. Some of the food was donated and the pair did the shopping for the rest.
There were also donations of time to cook the potatoes, cook and slice the turkeys and hams, prepare the desserts and drive the handivan to pick up guests who needed a ride.
Other members of the leadership class and a few extra friends volunteered to welcome guests and help serve drinks and clear dishes. Even the elementary school students were involved by colouring place mats used to decorate the tables.
"We'd see people on the street and they'd tell us 'we're so excited to come,'" said Ali.
"It was pretty easy to do because the community was so welcoming and generous with their donations," said Beth, whose own grandmother was involved in the Golden Age Suppers for years.
The two organizers were delighted to watch the guests enter the Seniors' Drop In Centre.
"I loved their reaction. They were impressed by the décor and being greeted by the young people," said Ali.
The two welcomed the guests and Ali said grace.
"We have gathered to show our appreciation and respect to essential members of our community," she said.
Over 70 people over the age of 70 enjoyed the meal and musical entertainment that followed.
The project helped the organizers learn about volunteering and communication as well as leadership realizing the importance of planning ahead and asking for help.
The Leadership 30 class is in its first year at Maidstone High School and is taught by Judy Franks.
"It was an excellent event and we had so many compliments. I'm so proud of the students," she said.
