For the past 17 years, Samaritans Christmas Eve Lunch at Singleton has been providing a safe and welcoming space for members of the local community to share the Christmas spirit and enjoy a delicious meal together.
In 2024, this iconic event will once again be held at the place where it first began – All Saints Anglican Church Parish Hall.
First held in 2006, the Samaritans Christmas Eve Lunch was the inspirational idea of parish treasurer Wendy Love, who continues to serve in the role and also helps at the lunch most years.
“Back in 2006 I saw that Samaritans held an annual Christmas Lunch event in Newcastle, and I thought it would be something we could also do in Singleton,” Wendy said.
“At the time Samaritans didn’t have the resources to provide a second lunch event, but the organisation very kindly offered to provide support to the parish if we wanted to do so.
“The parish volunteers and I ran it together under the Samaritans banner and it’s been going ever since.”
The inaugural lunch, held on Christmas Eve at the parish hall, was an incredible success, providing support to members of the community who were experiencing either financial hardship, social isolation—or both.
“Every year, we have people within the Singleton community and surrounds who experience homelessness and do it tough,” Wendy said.
“There are also those who may not be doing it so tough financially, but are alone, and if you’re alone that can be just as difficult, especially at Christmas.
“For some people the lunch is all they have, and they are able to come along and enjoy a lovely atmosphere where everyone gets together to sit and chat. It’s lovely.”
Over the years, the lunch has undergone a number of changes, including being held at both the Senior Citizens Centre and at the showground.
There was also a pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the event provide take-away hampers to those in need.
“We still held the event during Covid but that was quite different,” Wendy said.
“Instead of the sit-down lunch it was an express pick up where people would come and pick up their meals and then go.
“It was a change from the usual format, but also quite successful. The social aspect was different, but, for those who are on their own and perhaps not comfortable with group settings, it was still a suitable way to enjoy Christmas lunch.”
This year, while Wendy continues to support the event, parish warden Michael Turner has taken the reins and will work with Samaritans to deliver the much-loved lunch.
“Michael is amazing and, when we were discussing it and I told him I wouldn’t be able to come along this year due to work commitments, he immediately put his hand up,” she said.
“He was involved last year as well and does a fantastic job.”
Guests will be provided with a delicious Christmas lunch of ham, chicken, bread rolls, salad and Christmas pudding, served in a festive setting with games, gifts for all, and a special appearance by Santa.
The event is free, and everyone is welcome.