Jack Purcell holiday lunch tradition returns

Sandwiches, salads, appetizers and more from local restaurants were on the menu for the Jack Purcell Recreation Association's 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
Sandwiches, salads, appetizers and more from local restaurants were on the menu for the Jack Purcell Recreation Association’s 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)

The Jack Purcell Recreation Association hosted a free holiday lunch for the community on December 15. The lunch, a tradition at the community centre, had been cancelled for the last three years because of the pandemic.

Brightly-decorated desserts at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association's 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
Brightly-decorated desserts at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association’s 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)

A large crowd lined up to chat and enjoy sandwiches and appetizers from local restaurants and brightly-decorated desserts.

MPP Joel Harden talks with Jack Purcell clients at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association's 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
MPP Joel Harden talks with Jack Purcell clients at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association’s 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe talks with Jack Purcell clients at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association's 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe talks with Jack Purcell clients at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association’s 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, MPP Joel Harden, and Councillor Ariel Troster circulated; a Grade 2 class from Elgin Street Public School excitedly sang carols and holiday songs in unison; and Ottawa singer-songwriter Miss McLeod cheerfully performed seasonal tunes. (The teachers asked us not to take photos of the children because parents had not given permission.)

Ottawa singer-songwriter Miss McLeod performed upbeat seasonal favourites at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association's 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
Ottawa singer-songwriter Miss McLeod performed upbeat seasonal favourites at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association’s 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
Ottawa singer-songwriter Miss McLeod performed upbeat seasonal favourites at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association's 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
Ottawa singer-songwriter Miss McLeod performed upbeat seasonal favourites at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association’s 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
Young volunteers helped dish at food at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association's 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)
Young volunteers helped dish at food at the Jack Purcell Recreation Association’s 2023 holiday lunch on December 15. (Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ)

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