MORE than 150 smiling faces are expected at this year’s Chelsea Community Christmas Lunch. The annual lunch on Christmas Day has been running for a decade. Organiser Vanessa Heredia said the event brings together “people on their own or disadvantaged financially to join us on Christmas at St Josephs in Chelsea.”
“We welcome everyone from all backgrounds, and have a beautiful mix of people,” she said. “Over the last 10 years we have repeat guests, and to some of the volunteers it is an extended family. It’s a beautiful community, and the volunteers get as much out of it as the recipients. “It’s nice to see friendships form between guests, to see them make connections with other families, and to provide a social platform for people to enjoy Christmas.” The lunch runs from 11.45pm to 2pm on Christmas Day at St. Josephs School Hall. Guests will be treated to a meal, carols, giveaways, dessert, and a visit from Santa.
Heredia said that volunteers are hard at work getting the event ready. “Children at St Josephs have worked with their art teacher to make placemats – we have 160 seats set up and they have been making watercolours, Christmas cards, murals for the wall, and some of them are involved on the day,” she said. “My kids are involved on the day and will make cookies for the guests. Some families donate desserts for the buffet, and a few of the real estate agents collect presents. Everyone gets a bag of groceries to take home, so we have also had people donate financially for hampers and giveaways.”
To register to attend call 9772 2211.
First published in the Frankston Times – 26 November 2024