Community
19 December, 2024
Community unites for a Christmas lunch
AROUND 100 people gathered for the annual community luncheon served by volunteers from the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
The Civic Hall’s Rose Room in Terang was full to capacity last Wednesday for the community luncheon, with people from throughout the community gathering to strengthen social bonds.
Society of St Vincent de Paul Terang Conference president Bernadette McKinnon said the luncheon was a highlight every year, which helped to unite the community during the festive season.
“Our community luncheon is put on each year by St Vincent de Paul,” she said.
“It started off as a luncheon for those hospitalised or who don’t have a lot of relatives around at Christmas time, but it’s grown.
“We include the whole community, other churches and organisations, and people from the nursing homes including Mt View and Aberlea to ensure everyone in the community is connecting or reconnecting.
“It’s very diverse with different groups, organisations and churches with catering for 100 people.”
The luncheon is one of the major events to end a busy year, which has seen volunteers working quietly to support those in the community who need it most.
“Our motto is ‘A hand up, not a hand out’,” Mrs McKinnon said.
“We help people who are in need, or finding the cost of living just a bit too much, so we deliver food hampers or deliver vouchers so people can buy fresh food.
“It’s out there for everyone who wants to call us.”
The community luncheon, much as with the dedicated efforts of the society throughout the year, would not be possible without the volunteers giving their time to support others.
“I would like to thank all the volunteers for their wonderful efforts, and thank the local community for supporting us,” Mrs McKinnon said.
“We’ve received various hampers from different organisations such as the uniting church, the bridge club, and the Terang clinic.
“They all gave us things to distribute to people, some of which being more luxury items people normally would not be able to enjoy.”
Read More: Terang