For many of us, Christmas Day is filled with intimate family gatherings. But for some, it's a day dedicated to others in need.
Gearing up for their annual Christmas lunch, staff and management of the White Spot restaurants in Richmond Centre and on Kingsway will donate all profits and tips to Richmond Hospital Foundation and Variety - The Children's Charity.
"Our managers and servers step up each and every year because they understand supporting a cause like Richmond Hospital Foundation helps everyone - our family, friends and neighbours," said Prakash Ganatra, who co-owns the Richmond White Spot restaurant with his wife, Veena.
This is the lunch's 11th year and has become a special occasion that brings employees together.
"It's this staff event everyone looks forward to," said Charlie Tsang, general manager of the Richmond site.
While the four-hour event keeps them busy ensuring guests are looked after, staff members are happy to offer their services.
"A couple of servers have moved on; they have gone back to school. They're on a winter break now, and have let me know they want to come in."
Add some partners, friends and family members who volunteer their time, and the number of servers continues to increase year after year.
The number of guests has also been on the rise, said Tsang, adding "Every year, we've seen an increase in sales and donations."
Although the current weather conditions are far from optimal, Tsang remembered one year when snow did not prevent customers from lining up outside.
"It's amazing to see guests come out on Christmas Day, when everyone has family dinners to go to," he said.
The combination of positive customer feedback and overall staff support has made the Christmas lunch into a successful holiday tradition, much to the appreciation of the foundation.
"It's made a real difference for the work that we do to support quality care for patients," said Natalie Meixner, president and CEO of the hospital foundation. While several community leaders show their support throughout the year, "White Spot is always special because of their extra effort on Christmas Day."
This year, the Richmond Centre and Kingsway Vancouver restaurants aim to break last year's record of more than $13,000. The public is invited to come over for a Christmas celebration with some of White Spot's favourites between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
