Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration

By Franca Ciambella

To no one’s surprise all of the guests at the annual Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner had a look of wonderful satisfaction on their faces after dining on 10kg turkeys with all of the traditional trimmings and accompaniments.  Hosted at the American Club, and held on the auspicious date of the tenth day of the tenth month in the year 2010, the event saw a sell out crowd of more than 200 persons.  The warm colours of yellow and maroon that adorned the room made everyone feel as though they were back in home in Canada on a beautiful autumn afternoon.

Under the watchful supervision of volunteers from the Canadian International School, about 45 children took part in the arts and crafts, face painting, and tattoos that had been organized for them both before and after the dinner.  Proceeds were raised via a lucky-draw to benefit Boys’ Town, a Singapore-based charity that helps boys from troubled families or from families who unable to keep them at home for financial reasons.  Lucky winners enjoyed prizes that included weekend getaways, wine hampers, brunches and teas, donated by the Fairmont Hotel, the American Club, Rochester Cafe and Neem Teas.

Finally, a tag placed secretly under a plate at each table helped to identify who would be the carving chef for that table. The reward for such a daunting task was not only getting to wear the chef’s hat and apron, but also bringing home the lovely table floral arrangement. His Excellency David Sevigny, Canada’s High Commissioner to Singapore, his wife, Mary Broderick as well as their daughter Laura, enjoyed the meal and agreed with everyone else in saying it felt just like a Thanksgiving in Canada.


Many thanks to the Thanksgiving organising committee and the American Club for hosting such a great event.