A very Surf Coast Christmas

THOUGHTFUL Surf Coast Community leaders have created a community lunch on Christmas Day open to anyone and everyone.

The lunch is designed to bring people together to celebrate a diverse community by creating a welcoming and safe space.

Laura Connor from Community House said the event was an opportunity to share a moment together, eat together, show understanding and respect people’s differences.

“The driving force behind the event is community need,” she said.

“Christmas can be a difficult and provocative time for many people for a multitude of reasons.

“Some people spend Christmas day alone every year and this year with travel restrictions many people including families may find themselves for the first time ever facing

Christmas alone as they can’t travel to be with loved ones.”

Ms Connor said the pandemic had been tough on families and some may need support during the holiday period.

“We also know more than ever this year many more households will be anxious about how they might prepare a special meal,” she said.

“Parents will struggle to afford presents for their kids and teenagers, all the while contemplating how they might deal with such a situation, especially if this is a first, through no fault of their own.”

The lunch will take place on December 25 at 11am at St Therese School Hall. Food and gifts for kids provided.

RSVP is essential. Visit http://www.onebigtable.com.au/ for more details.