It’s been six weeks since my family and I volunteered at Samaritans’ 2024 Christmas Day Lunch at Newcastle Foreshore.
Although the festive decorations have long since been packed away, the day’s purpose will long stay with me.
For a week I only had to look down at my painted fingernails to be reminded of what the day’s activities had meant to those in need.
Assigned the role of nail artist at the event’s makeshift beauty bar, I’d happily agreed to pretend I had any skills worthy of the title.
As girls of all ages sat before me for the ensuing few hours, I painted their nails an array of chosen colours, chatted about the topics they chose, and gently held their hands while trying to improve my handiwork.
I even allowed an enthusiastic nine-year-old to return the favour and was subsequently coated in coloured polish, smudged in a way only a child can manage.
My new look had remained for days.
But it was actually the work of my new young friend that reminded me that Christmas is a time to set aside any prejudices and genuinely care for one another, just like family.
Volunteering wasn’t about filling bellies for me, or entertaining people with tunes, gifts and games. It was about making connections and, if only for a few hours, shared equality.
While my teenage son kicked a ball around with restless youngsters, my husband helped distribute pre-cooked meat and salad packs to the hundreds of families gathered.
For my daughter and I the time was spent painting fingernails, creating loom bands, attaching trinkets to bracelet threads, and sharing a giggle or two with young girls about the joys of cosmetic rituals.
It was easy to tell that some of them had never experienced a manicure before.
To hold their hands and share a smile was a simple gesture but one filled with tenderness and intimacy.
It is events like the Samaritans’ Christmas Day lunch that should act as a reminder that we are all called to care for one another, despite our differences.
In fact, compassion and ‘doing unto others’ is a core value of all the major faiths.
I’d like to think the Samaritans Christmas Day lunch is an example of that value – the community coming together to give, share and care for those most at need on one of the most joyous days of the year.
Rebecca Riddle and her family were among more than 100 volunteers at Samaritans 2024 Christmas Lunch in the Park. We thank every one of them for their generosity and dedication. Without the ongoing support of volunteers, this iconic community event would simply not be possible.