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WATCH: Alone for Christmas? Summerland group will connect you with dinner hosts

SUMMERLAND, B.C. — A dozen families in the south Okanagan are opening their hearts and homes to people who will be alone this holiday season. It’s the first time community group NeighbourLink Summerland is matching host families with dinner guests.

“So many host families have come forward and said we would love to bring someone into our home. It seems like a great way to create compassion in our community, right in our own homes,” says organizer Marijana Komlijenovic.

Juliet Schoonderwoert is one of 12 families inviting strangers over for turkey dinner.

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Schoonderwoert says she’s been a dinner guest before and wants to pay it forward.

“The Christmas after my husband passed away, [my friend] invited me to join her and her family for a beautiful Christmas meal, so I understand how important it is to get together,” she says.
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Komlijenovic says some people may feel hesitant to sign up to be a dinner guest, but she encourages them to.

“Don’t be afraid to come and join somebody for Christmas. You might meet a new friend for life, you never know.”

To learn more, visit the NeighbourLink Summerland Facebook page.

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