The group that organizes an annual live nativity pageant is now inviting the community to “Stuff the Stable” for the food bank.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Duncan is presenting free performances of its popular pageant on Dec. 22 and 23 to celebrate the birth of Jesus
This annual event has become a tradition for many families in the Cowichan Valley and this year, according to church publicist Jody Audenart, “This year’s performances come with an extra invitation: volunteers are setting up a replica stable that they hope to see filled with donated non-perishable food items.”
It’s all in aid of a great cause, according to event organizer Michael Holt.
“Many church members participate in the annual B.C. Thanksgiving Food Drive and we are always amazed at the generosity of the community,” he said last week, adding, “This time of year when people are often more mindful of those in need, it seems like a natural continuation of that generosity to make the food bank an emphasis of the pageant celebration. We all know that hunger doesn’t take a holiday and this is such a great way to give back to our community.”
The performance itself is a truly traditional presentation.
It features busy Bethlehem with its overcrowded inn, the stable full of live animals, the shepherds in the nearby fields with their sheep, the three kings arriving from the east with their animals, and even a celestial choir of angels.
Shows are held at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1815 Tzouhalem Rd. Bring warm coats and perhaps a blanket because it can get cold outdoors.
Free hot chocolate and cookies are provided following the performances.
Non-perishable food items can be brought to the performances or dropped off at the Church anytime on Dec. 22 or 23.