Christmas. For many also known as the best time of the year. It’s a time of joy, happiness and coming together. While Christmas originates from tradition and religion, it’s also a cultural celebration with non-religious traditions too; such as Santa Claus, the giving of gifts and the sharing of food.
While everyone has their own ideas about what is a Christmas feast, the one thing that everyone can agree on, food brings people together.
Mel Brant-Dean and Jeremy Dean, owners of Just Like Granny’s Bakery are bringing people together by continuing their annual free Christmas Dinner initiative.
Mel told us they started what has become a Christmas tradition during the pandemic.
This initiative started due to COVID, when local seniors were not able to gather with their loved ones for a traditional Christmas dinner, and didn’t want to prepare a big meal for just one or two people, so Mel, Jeremy and their children decided to take action, preparing a traditional turkey dinner that could be packed up and taken home.
Mel told us this is there 4th year of giving back.
2024 will be the 4th Annual free Christmas dinner and they are planning to provide over 200 free meals to local residents.
Dinners include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, carrots, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and of course dessert and will be available from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on December 25th, 2023 at their bakery, Just Like Granny’s Bakery located at 40 Prince Edward Street in Brighton, at no charge. Meals will be curbside pick-up.
“Its been a very difficult year for everyone, a lot of people are choosing between bills and food,” said Mel Brant – Dean. “No one gets left behind, and there’s always an extra potato in the pot! This Christmas dinner to anyone that wants or needs one. There is no specific demographic, whether you are alone, with family, can’t cook, don’t want to cook. It doesn’t matter. You are welcome here.”
Are you on your own for Christmas? Stop by Just Like Granny’s Bakery and meet Mel and Jeremy and their family, who are giving back to the community that they love.
For more information call Just Like Granny’s Bakery at (613) 847-2272.
Written by Alicia Vandine
