LSCO Christmas dinner a much-loved tradition

By Lethbridge Herald on December 20, 2025.

Head chef LAchlan Dyer prepares deviled eggs in the kitchen at LSCO. Dyer and the rest of his staff will prepare and serve the 56th annual special Christmas dinner on Dec. 25.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For more than 50 years, the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) has been disproving the saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” by opening its doors on Christmas Day to provide a free turkey meal with all the fixings plus dessert to anyone in the community who needs it.

The event is open to the entire community, not just seniors; including those who may be struggling financially or individuals seeking social connection during the holidays. 

Meals will be served at the LSCO on Thursday, Dec. 25 from 11 AM-1 PM in person, first come, first served while quantities last. No RSVP is required.

And while it costs about $12,000 to put on the dinner, the LSCO says being a space for people to gather, connect and celebrate the holidays is worth it.

“It is my first Christmas Dinner and I’m so incredibly excited to experience it firsthand,” says LSCO executive director Kaitlynn Weaver, who’s been at the helm since March. “I’ve been chatting with staff and volunteers about how it’s run for the past 56 years (which is older than the LSCO, I might add) and all I can say is that the spirit of Christmas magic is how it’s made possible – that and the tireless efforts of LSCO staff and volunteers, as well as donors!”

The diner, which is open to the public, is an important source of funding for LSCO. The kitchen is operated by dedicated staff and volunteers who are adept at their job, especially during special events like the annual Christmas dinner. 

“It’s a free Christmas dinner…how can you go wrong?” says LSCO head chef Lachlan Dyer who prepares anywhere from 100-200 meals daily including the daily specials. “It’s a great Christmas meal and everyone is welcome. Some specials are way more popular than others like the roast beef dinner. If we do turkey anytime, that’s a big one. 

“When I interviewed (for this position) I was told that I would be working every Christmas Day because they put this on, and now it’s something I look forward to,” says assistant chef Travis Eakett. “Being part of Meals on Wheels and giving back to the community on Christmas Day is nice.”

The LSCO also invites Lethbridge first responders on duty for a Christmas dinner to thank them for their service.

“Every year, the LSCO’s Christmas Dinner celebrates the compassion and connection that defines our community,” says Lethbridge Police Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh. “The Lethbridge Police Service is proud to support an initiative that ensures no one in our city spends Christmas Day alone or without a holiday meal. 

“We are especially grateful to the LSCO for extending this kindness to our on-duty officers while they work to serve the community. We thank the LSCO, its volunteers and all partner organizations.”

The annual event actually predates the LSCO by six years. Before the LSCO was incorporated, it was done in collaboration with other organizations like the Salvation Army. 

After the LSCO became incorporated and moved into the Fritz Sick building the LSCO continued the tradition bringing in partners throughout the years like the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen and Woods Homes.

“We are so excited about the event,” says Weaver. “We are so grateful for our incredible volunteers and staff who are doing something so kind on Christmas Day, which is what this season is all about.”