Employees of the UWindsor from the Office of the Vice-President, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and the Department of Human Resources took on a new role Tuesday: helping to ready the Salvation Army’s annual community Christmas dinner.

Volunteers joined chef Carmine Incitti and his team at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts in preparing pies for baking, portioning turkey for serving, and getting dinnerware ready for the event.

Clinton Beckford, interim vice-president for equity, diversity, and inclusion expressed thanks to the United Way Windsor-Essex County for engaging his team, and to the Salvation Army and its generous donors for making the event possible.

“Over 700 people were welcome at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on Dec. 14 to enjoy festive holiday music, great fellowship, and delicious food,” Dr. Beckford said.

Cheryl Paglione, executive director of pensions, benefits, and HR information systems, called the Salvation Army a caring organization, saying “We are fortunate to have it in our community. It was wonderful spending the morning with my HR colleagues, helping to prepare the Christmas meal.”

The chefs shared with the University teams tips and tricks for holiday celebrations, said Kerry Gray, director of talent acquisition and retention.

“This was an opportunity to support an amazing community project but also gave us a chance to come together as a team,” she said.

Kerri Zold, interim manager of total compensation and workforce planning, agreed.

“I enjoyed getting to know my new colleagues a little more by working together in a different way and away from our offices,” she said, adding: “It was all the better knowing it was for a great cause.”