An activist hopes that a Court Street Boxing Day tradition can continue this year as a tribute to a longstanding volunteer who helped to make it a reality for more than a decade.

Regina Peniston, who has offered hot Christmas dinners to members of the community for 15 years, said she had considered stopping after the death of Robin Tota, who had helped behind the scenes at the annual dinner for more than a decade.

“She was living with cancer last year, but she came out to help. She was always in the kitchen,” she said.

“I wasn’t going to do it this year because I was worried about who was going to be in the kitchen, but I heard her voice say I had better do it. So I thought I had to do it in her honour this year.

“She was with me for the last 12 years, faithfully and on time.”

Ms Peniston added that she had already been approached by people asking her if she would be hosting the event again and, given the rising cost of food, she expects a growing turnout.

“I feel like this year, looking at the prices of turkey and ham, even more people are going to need a little help,” she said.

“I was in the grocery store this week, and a ham was $166 and a turkey was $113. Even not homeless people are going to be coming to eat because of the prices.”

Ms Peniston said that she will need donations and volunteers to help meet the expected demand.

“I need volunteers for the serving of the food because you can’t just expect the same people who gave their time last year to come out again,” she said.

“We also have to get tents, chairs, foil pans, the water, the drink, all of that stuff I have to buy, and everything is so expensive.

“I remember years of doing this, paying for everything and not being able to license and insure my car in January. This for me is like an offering to my creator.”

• Anyone who is interested in assisting with the dinner is urged to e-mail Regina Peniston regina.red12@gmail.com or call 704-0976

• UPDATE: this article has been updated with corrected contact information for the organiser