THE city’s Christmas spirit was recently recognised by Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell in state parliament.
Mr Bell praised the volunteers and contributors of the long-running Mount Gambier Community Christmas Day Lunch, labelling it as a demonstration of the community’s generous and giving nature.
The lunch, now running for nearly 10 years, sees around 150 people attend the event each year.
Mr Bell said the community and businesses rallied together to give disadvantaged and isolated people a day to remember, with donations ranging from kilograms of produce and goods, to table decorations and linen, along with free bus services.
He said around 100 volunteers donate their time and effort to ensure the event’s success, including Liz Rymill, who is coordinating the event for the second year.
“Everyone does their bit, no matter what their background or title,” Mr Bell said.
“You might find a local top chef in the kitchen – Kirby Shearing has generously donated his time again this year – or a city councillor doing the dishes.
“The event plays out like a big Australian family Christmas.
“Afterwards, volunteers play a game of backyard cricket outside for the kids and big kids and guests go home with a take-home meal for the next day and a gift bag.
“As for the volunteers, they go home with the knowledge they have made someone else’s day a little brighter.”
Mr Bell applauded the efforts of the wider community in supporting the event, including an elderly woman who heard about the event and donated $6000, enough to keep it running for the next three years.
He said Mount Gambier’s community spirit was exemplified by a number of other Christmas initiatives, including the Limestone Coast Toy Run, Mount Gambier City Council’s Mayoral Community Christmas Appeal, Foodbank’s food drive and local Kmart and Target wishing tree appeals.
“Not everyone can afford to give donations of money or goods, but we can all give our time,” Mr Bell said.
“I encourage everyone to take the time to consider what they can give back to their community this Christmas.
“The ultimate gift is giving back.”
