Christmas spirit will be on full display when more than a thousand people gather at Newcastle’s Foreshore Park for the largest and longest-running event of its kind.
Now in its 24th year, Samaritans Christmas Lunch in the Park offers much-needed compassion to individuals and families in need, ensuring fewer people spend Christmas alone.
Samaritans President Bishop Peter Stuart said the charity had been sharing Christmas generosity, kindness, and goodwill with as many families as possible for more than two decades.
“There are more people entering the Christmas period with empty pockets and empty cupboards. They are coming to Samaritans for help, and we’re committed to making a difference,” he said.
“One of the most moving things is that it's the people of our community who have helped us provide this support for all those years.
“These Christmas events would be impossible without the goodwill of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers.”
Around 150 dedicated volunteers have signed on to help provide the festive feast to the local community.
Lunches of this scale take a lot of preparation. Here is a snapshot of what is being prepared:
• 3,000 bottles of water and soft drinks
• 1,000 packs of barbecue chicken
• 1,000 tubs each of potato salad and coleslaw
• 1,000 freshly baked bread rolls
• 100 kilograms of leg ham
• A gift for every attendee, provided by Samaritans Giving Tree program.
The Christmas lunch in Newcastle is part of more than 100 services offered by the Newcastle Anglican welfare agency year-round.
Many of Samaritans programs are supported by donations raised through its Christmas Appeal.
For those who are able, give a gift to others at Christmas and donate today: www.samaritans.org.au/donate.
The Christmas Day lunch will be held on Wednesday 25 December from 10am-2pm at the Railway Carriage Shed, Newcastle Foreshore.