Parish to put on free feed

An annual initiative aimed at giving people a free meal on Christmas Day is returning next month.

As has been the case for about three decades, volunteers will be on hand on December 25 to deliver Our Lady of Help Christians Parish’s free Christmas lunch for people in need.

“The aim has always been to provide Christmas lunch and a family-like environment for people who for whatever reason haven’t got that,” event volunteer Karen Davies said.

“They either haven’t got someone to share their day with or haven’t got food to eat on Christmas Day so it’s really about providing for those few hours we’re together.

“This started with a small group of women who cooked lunch themselves for people who didn’t have the ability to have a good Christmas Day without this service. It’s grown from then.”

Ms Davies estimated the event would cater for about 130 attendees.

With the menu to include roast meats, vegetables, and Christmas pudding, she said about 30 volunteers would be on hand to help.

“We’ve had fairly constant numbers with our volunteers, many of whom have been doing so for years, and each year we’ve had new people who want to come and share the day.

“There are volunteers who come in and sing for people taking part or others who’ll wait on a single table, and others who help prepare the food or set up the venue a couple days before.”

The free Christmas lunch will be held in the parish hall at 482a Gillies Street, Wendouree from 12 noon to 2pm. To book, phone 0491 029 217.