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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 17, 2008 - 15 OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO SERVING UP CHRISTMAS: Chef Adrian Vogt surrounded by the friends, family and volunteers who served up Christmas dinner in 2005 to those in need at the Salvation Army Oakville's annual fellowship dinner. Vogt will be back on the job again Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Paul's United Church. Chef cooks Christmas turkey for Sally Ann By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Folks having a tough time this Christmas will celebrate at the Salvation Army's Fellowship Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 21 and munch on fare prepared by a chef trained in Switzerland. That's because Oakville resident Adrian Vogt, head of Trident Catering, will be at the helm -- for the seventh annual year. The dinner, as in past years where crowds have numbered 200 or more, will again be held at St. Paul's United Church located at 454 Rebecca St. Vogt first got involved with the Salvation Army of Oakville when he witnessed the outrage in various neighbourhoods when the Salvation Army wanted to locate a shelter for the homeless in town. The Lighthouse shelter eventually did settle in town, in an industrial area. "A shelter is not a criminal institution. It's for people who have had bad luck in life," said Vogt, who explained he was moved to go to the Salvation Army and say, "I want to do something with you." The fellowship dinner has been held ever since. However, that's not Vogt's only endeavour. "Whatever profit I take in, I give 10 per cent to charity," he said, noting he has worked with Transitions for Youths, which has dealt with staggering statistics -- like 1,100 homeless youths in one year. His café in nearby Mississauga also held Food for Food, an endeavour that requires those participating to donate a nonperishable food item in return for a free pasta lunch. Vogt has also catered the United Way Thanksgiving dinner. "It's just giving back to the community," said Vogt who noted he's thankful for a healthy family and career success. Vogt has extended an invitation for others to help, too, and said Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn and his wife, Janice, have quickly taken up the offer to help. Oakville MP Terence Young's office will also be lending a hand. Vogt and his wife, Susanne, have four children -- Wesley, 17, Sydney, 14, Sullivan, 9 and Avalon, 16 months -- they all will take part and have in the past. "My wife and I, we have made a deal. This is our gift for each other. In the end, we don't need more presents, so we do this," said Vogt. "Maybe it's a little selfish, too, because you really, really feel so good about it. People come up and thank you and it's just a turkey dinner, right? It make you feel good, really feel good," he said. "If everybody was to do something, we would have a better community," said Vogt. "It's like it's a hidden secret in Oakville that we have less fortunate people," said Vogt, noting the large number of homeless youths. "It can happen to anybody," said Vogt, adding he recalls taking a tour of the Lighthouse shelter four or five years ago. There, he met a man who had had a house with a two-car garage, a job and family. The man had had an accident, broken both his legs and fractured his back. The accident sidelined him for two years -- at the end of which he had no job, his wife had left him and he'd lost his home and family. "I thought, he was me once. It can happen to everybody," said Vogt. "If we support the Salvation Army or United Way, then at least we have something to fall back on when it happens to us. If we don't help, then we have nothing," said Vogt. The Oakville resident said it isn't difficult to give of his time or talent as there are lots of volunteers who assist. Vogt is a native of Switzerland. He pursued a career as a chef under the tutelage of thatcountry's finest chefs and though he specialized in French cuisine, his expertise includes international fare. In 1989, Vogt joined the catering team of Hotel St. Gotthard in Zurich. In 1991, he gained additional catering experience at Hotel Central Wolter in Grindelwald. At the end of 1991, Vogt was offered his first executive chef position in a southern Ontario restaurant and his Canadian experience developed in several restaurants until 1997, when he started his own business. People are welcome to help or to donate to the dinner, which will be complete with gifts and a visit by Santa for the children. Gifts for youths, particularly teens aged 12 to 16, are always welcome. Those in need who wish to attend the dinner, can contact the Salvation Army Oakville at 905-827-6523. MADNESS!!! ONE-DAY SALE 6am to 8pm Sunday, December 21, 2008 $ $ 999 49 Diamond Watch 9am Door Crasher Limit 3 Mississauga and Keele Location Only Mississauga 700 Matheson Blvd. at Mavis Vaughan 7733 Keele Street at Highway 7 www.omnijewelcrafters.com