Elijah and family preparing for fifth year of giving back on Christmas

Over the past four years, a Christmas tradition has begun at Kekuli Cafe in Merritt. Following a year in the midst of a pandemic, with wildfires and floods, the importance of giving back isn’t lost on Elijah Mack-Stirling and his family.

“At one part of my life, we were borderline homeless, we had nothing in our fridges and nothing in our homes. But what we did have was each other. So, every year my family and I, we get together and we spend the day together because that’s what we believe Christmas is about,” said Elijah. “Now that we’re able to give back to the community. It’s just our way of saying, we were there, we open our arms and our doors wide-open, and we’re here for you. Now it’s just become a family tradition.”

Elijah will be opening the doors at Kekuli Cafe on Christmas Day for the fifth year in a row to provide those in need a warm place to sit down and a hot meal to fill their stomachs.

This year will be slightly different that those before it, as they will also be supporting those who lost their homes in the November floods.

“I’ve reserved my seating in the lobby for those who are less fortunate, people who are spending nights at the cold weather shelter,” said Elijah. “There is over 300 homes that have been severely impacted, so I open it up to all of them as well.”

“Come spend some time with us at the restaurant. 100 per cent of the proceeds of the breakfasts and dinners will go back into the community,” added Elijah.

The doors will be open from 7 am – 7 pm tomorrow, with donations being accepted in-person or via e-transfer to Elijah himself.

credit – Elijah Mack-Striling (Facebook)