For a quarter of a century, Samaritans have been supplying the joy – and an impressive feast – in Newcastle on Christmas Day.
And, more than 1,000 people will converge on Foreshore Park, yet again, between 10am and 2pm on Thursday 25 December when the organisation hosts the 25th edition of its popular seasonal treat.
Volunteers were hard at work on Christmas Eve, preparing for the festivities.
Amazingly, their “check list” included:
- 3,000 bottles of water and soft drinks
- 100 kilograms of freshly-carved leg ham
- 1,000 packs of barbecue chicken
- 1,000 tubs each of potato salad, coleslaw and tossed salad
- 1,000 freshly-baked bread rolls
- 1,000 pudding and custard desserts
- 1,000 soft serve ice creams with topping and custard
A gift for every attendee, provided by Samaritans Giving Tree program
Samaritans president Bishop Peter Stuart said Christmas Lunch in the Park offered much-needed compassion to individuals and families in need, ensuring fewer people spend the time alone.
But, he added, the events – in Newcastle, Singleton and, now, Bateau Bay – would not be possible without everyone’s generosity.
“Samaritans exists to walk alongside those in our community who are doing it tough,” he said.
“We have been providing life-changing support for more than four decades.
“Every year, we are humbled by the willingness of our local community to help each other.”
About 150 dedicated volunteers have signed on to lend a hand, too.
That includes Samaritans Christmas event coordinator Dana Pichaloff, who’ll celebrate her 10th luncheon.
“It’s a wonderful reminder of community spirit and the true meaning of Christmas,” she said.
“Lunch in the Park brings everyone together in the most joyful way, with the emphasis being on respect and dignity for our guests.
“It provides a delicious meal, warm conversations and smiling faces that remind us of what the season is truly about.”
Christmas Lunch in the Park 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 as well.
For those who are able, give a gift to others at Christmas and donate at www.samaritans.org.au/donate
For more community stories:
- Hunter sun safety message receives much-needed financial boost
- The lights that defined Christmas for a generation of Hunter families
- Maitland’s first Community Infrastructure Strategy opens for public comment
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