The Mount Gambier Community Christmas Lunch has provided a safe place for people to come together and share a meal at Christmas for 15 years.
Now heading in to 2024, the event has been named the City of Mount Gambier’s Community Event of the year.
Current organiser Vicki Clark said there was a “wonderful group of volunteers who give up their own Christmas celebrations to support those less fortunate each year”.
“The lunch is provided in an inclusive, safe environment to ensure everyone in our community gets the chance to enjoy a Christmas lunch which they may not have otherwise been able to do,” she said.
“We all know everyone needs a helping hand now and then, and that’s why we do what we do.”
In 2023, the lunch was attended by 170 guests, with about 30 takeaway meals provided for those who were not comfortable in a group environment.
Anyone in the community was welcome to the lunch and Ms Clark said attendees came from all walks of life and from all parts of the community.
“They include people who are vulnerable, lonely or homeless, as well as refugee families who have relocated, or just people who want to share Christmas with others,” she said.
“Over the years we have also had travellers pop in because they had nowhere else to go.”
Ms Clark said the lunch would not be possible without the support from the Mount Gambier/ Berrin business community.
“We also engage the broader community by asking them to donate personal packs for the gift bags,” she said.
“We engage with local schools to support the lunch which gives younger members of our community an understanding of the importance of the event.”
She said hearing stories of thanks made giving up their own Christmas celebrations worth it for the 30 or so volunteers.
“It’s a very humbling event to be involved with and we are very grateful to have the opportunity to support our community in this way,” she said.
“Christmas is a very hard time for a lot of vulnerable people and if we can take their mind off their woes for a few hours, our job is done.”
