Many seniors at a Halifax non-profit won't have to spend Christmas alone for the fourth year in a row thanks to volunteers from the Atlantic Jewish Council.

The tradition started four years ago when Edna LeVine, director of community engagement for the council, called Spencer House Seniors Centre "out of the blue."

"She was wondering if there was anything that they could help us out with over the holidays," said Bertha Roberts, the centre's executive director.

"It's wonderful because being a non-profit and of course, funding is getting tougher and tougher to obtain, we've had to make cutbacks."

The Christmas party starts at 10 a.m. For around 25 invited centre members, lunch is served and music is played.

'Always have a great response'

The party isn't open to the public, Roberts says, because they don't have the funding or the space. But, the party means certain seniors who don't have family to visit, won't spend Christmas alone.

"We have some volunteers here on the accordion, playing the flute and piano, Christmas music. We will also afterwards sing Christmas carols and karaoke," LeVine said Friday.

"I put out a call for volunteers in the Jewish community, and we always have a great response."

Levine says volunteers also make food deliveries to those seniors who can't make it to the centre.

The event not only makes sure those seniors have some company, but it gives centre staff an opportunity to have a break, Roberts said.

"It's really wonderful that the people from the Jewish council come in and do this for us, because it means we can celebrate with our families."

"They go above and beyond," she said.