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Students at Benchmark Restaurant at NC prepare a holiday meal for a great cause

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First-year student Austin Halliday and executive chef Alex White put turkey's in the oven, part of a holiday feast with all the trimmings for the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara's annual holiday dinner for kids.

On December 13, and for the third consecutive year, Niagara College students at Benchmark Restaurant prepared a holiday dinner with all the trimmings for close to 200 kids attending the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara Falls holiday party on Dec. 14.

“Three years ago Niagara College noticed our need for help and since then it’s been amazing,” said Alisha Roberts-Charles, events and communications coordinator with the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara. “It takes them a day and a half to prepare the meal for our kids who might not otherwise have a holiday meal this season.”

With the help of Alex White, executive chef, Benchmark Restaurant, students cooked up ten turkeys and two hams, peeled and diced pounds of potatoes, simmered the perfect gravy, baked fresh loaves of bread and iced festive cookies, all for the big event. “Originally we came [to the holiday party] and helped out. Three years ago we said, why don’t we bring it to the College and bring the food to you guys. It’ll make it a lot easier for everyone. Now donations are sent here,” said White.

“Thanks to Benchmark taking on the food, our focus has shifted to the party and the toy drive. Our kids get to hang out with all of their friends and pick out their toy, donated by the community. They get exactly what they want for the holidays,” said Roberts-Charles, “Plus leftover food always goes to our shelter Nightlight Youth Services.”

Austin Halliday, first year student in the Food Production Program, had the honour of putting the turkeys in the oven. “I love working here, its very fun. I work at Bench to Go, and on the weekends I come back to help out, do dishes. Honestly it’s the best job I’ve ever had,” said Halliday as he peeled potatoes.

On December 14, Benchmark Restaurant and CFWI partnered with Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold 14th Annual Great Holiday Food Drive and offered a free lunch to those who attended and made a donation. “They’ve been gathering up canned goods around the city and their goal is to fill an entire bus. We’ll be providing lunch for those people at Market Square in St. Catharines,” said White.

Dec. 17-21, Benchmark chefs and students will be continuing an 11-year tradition at Niagara College: preparing the traditional holiday meal for the DeDivitiis family Spirit of Christmas dinner, held on Dec. 25 at Gord’s Place in St. Catharines. “We will do around 450, adult-size meals. We’ll have more donated turkeys coming in and we’re going to be using some of the same prep, gravy, cranberry sauce,” said White. The event offers a free Christmas dinner to those who attend, which often includes the homeless, those facing financial challenges, those without families, and newcomers to Canada. Niagara College is a major sponsor of the event.

Related stories:

Boys and Girls Club Niagara presents award to Rob Walters
Boys and Girls Club of Niagara thanks Broadcasting students
Niagara College among those recognized by Boys and Girls Club of Niagara

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