LAST year the Salvation Army in Healesville had a few people around for Christmas lunch … 70 to be exact!
It was the first time a community Christmas lunch had been on offer in Healesville and Salvation Army Envoy Graeme Mawson said it was slightly chaotic, spectacularly successful … and great fun.
“We are expecting to serve as many, and perhaps even more, again this year,” he said last week as he wrapped up a few loose ends, and stacks of Christmas presents, with the help of some of the VicForest staff who have signed on as volunteers again this year.
Mr Mawson said they were very pleased to have VicForests continue as their major sponsor for the lunch, along with support from Yarra Ranges Council and HICCI.
The VicForest contribution as volunteers was also a great help, but Mr Mawson said more volunteers were needed to help with setting up, preparing and serving the meal, eating with diners, as well as the fun part… cleaning up!
“Opportunities exist from early on Christmas Day until mid-afternoon, so if anyone has other commitments they may like to come along for an hour or two… every person helps,” Mr Mawson said. “The contribution of volunteers is what makes the lunch possible.”
He would particularly like to hear from any chefs or cooks who can take a leading role in the kitchen. VicForests employee Tim Sanders said it was well worth getting involved.
He helped out on Christmas Day last year and said it was tremendously rewarding.
“I brought the family along and it was great,” he said.
“Part of being in the community as an organisation is contributing to community and we all enjoy getting out and helping with activities like this,” he said.
VicForest spokeswoman Liz Langford said after last year’s involvement, more VicForest staff had wanted to get involved.
Those who are unable to go along on Christmas Day have helped put up decorations and wrap presents and will be helping set up on Christmas Eve.
Anyone who would like to be part of a very special community celebration of Christmas, as a volunteer should contact the Salvation Army on 5962 4826 or as a lunch guest contact HICCI on 5965 3529.
