North Preston volunteers hope children's Christmas dinner will be annual tradition

Volunteers who treated North Preston students to a Christmas party and meal hope the event will become an annual tradition.

"We have gifts here for the kids, and what we want is we want to show love," said Starr Downey, organizer of Wednesday's North Preston Subdivision Children's Dinner and Gift Exchange at the North Preston Fire Hall. 

"We want everybody to see the love we have for each other in North Preston."

Downey said the community came together with donations, allowing the 15 or so children to enjoy crafts, a gift exchange and a Christmas dinner.

School principal Valerie MacIntyre-Shannon, dressed as an elf, was the unofficial Santa at the event. She said events like the party are important because students and teachers get to know each other on a different level.

Vice-principal Divya Haus Macleod agreed: "It's important for us to know what's going on in our students' lives and let them know we care about them not just during the school day but outside as well."