December 6, 2012 marked the 17th Anniversary of the InnerCity Community Christmas Dinner, which is a charity event that benefits the Hastings Sunrise Community of East Vancouver. There were over 77 community volunteers that consisted of Hastings, Tillicum and Templeton school staff, Templeton school students, Vancouver School Board staff and trustees as well as staff from the local banks that gave their time and assistance.

The delicious dinner was made by students at Templeton's Culinary Arts Program. The event provided an unforgettable holiday experience for over 650 people (mostly children) who enjoyed a hot turkey dinner and a visit from Santa. 

Fundraising for the event was spearheaded by Seabridge Marine, which raised money from a variety of local sponsors and companies from Vancouver's Marine Industry. A total of $33,500 was raised this year which provided the funding for the dinner and also partially covers the annual budget for the Kids First Program - an after school program that provides supervised activities, healthy meals and academic support to some of the most vulnerable kids in the neighbourhood.   

The Kids First Program gives children access to a familiar and safe place to take healthy risks, and participate in activities that will support and encourage them to take control and direct their lives in positive ways.

Event organizers would like to thank the event's generous sponsors for supporting both the Christmas Party and the Kids First Program. Table sponsors of the event included: AON Reed Stenhouse Inc., Blue Ruby, Cushman Wakefield, Bruce & Diana Chan, Hills of Kerrisdale, Island Tug & Barge, Lesley Stowe Fine Foods, Scott & Lana Lindsay,  Marylene & Arthur Bensler, Mercury Launch and Tug, Neptune Bulk Terminals, Olendorff Carriers, Otis Gold Corp., Pacific Northwest Ship & Cargo, Parrish & Heimbecker, Moller Family Foundation, Port Metro Vancouver, Seabridge Marine, Seaspan ULC, SMIT Marine, TD Bank, TSI Terminals, Waterfront Chartering, Sharkbite. Other sponsors included Roger's Sugar, Mario and Karen LaFuente, 3688 Investments Ltd, Colley West Shipping, Northwest Realty Inc, Tidal Transport & Trading Ltd., Johnathan & Julie Whitworth, VanCity Savings, the Co-Operators and RBC