There was plenty of Christmas cheer at a community run event in Mount Gambier, thanks to the efforts of volunteers.
The Mount Gambier Community Christmas Lunch served 180 people and catered 200 meals (including takeaways) on Christmas day 2023 at the Mount Gambier City Hall.
The event provided a three-course meal and festive function for the less fortunate and those who may otherwise be alone on Christmas day.
Mount Gambier Community Christmas Day Lunch volunteer Kevin Douglas described the annual tradition as “fantastic” amid the rising demand for the service.
“I have never worked out whether having more people is good or bad, it means we’re getting the message out there but it probably means people are struggling,” he said.
“We had quite a few people who knocked on the windows and the doors of City Hall and they were pretty strong with their request to see if they could get a meal and they were just so grateful afterwards.
“There was a family of one little girl and mum and dad who came from Victoria, they were sleeping in their car, had been for a few days and really had not had anything to eat.
“You cannot say no to those people, that is why we are there but they were just so grateful afterwards, it was just a pleasure to help them out.
“Our guests were so grateful and fantastic this year, as always.
“I think everybody was fairly pleased about the day.”
Mr Douglas said he would like to thank the more than 20 volunteers who gave their time freely to such a worthy cause.
“I think people understand the volunteers are there to help and the volunteers get a lot out of it themselves,” he said.
“Our volunteers are an amazing group who just step up every year.
“We have probably two thirds of them already who have put their name down to help next time.
“The volunteers walk out with a smile on their face, they walk out tired but satisfied they have done a great thing for the community.”
Chef Cari Merrett provided each guest with a three-course meal which included chicken kebabs, roast meats and vegetables and Christmas cake.
“She was just unbelievable and she has already offered to be our chef for next year which is just amazing,” Mr Douglas said.
Mount Gambier Community Christmas Lunch head organiser Vicki Clark, Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM and “crowd favourite” Reverend John Deer addressed the guests, all of whom went home with a gift bag of essentials.
Mr Douglas thanked the sponsors and community members who helped out with donations each year.
“I would like to sincerely thank our community and the people that donate to such a great cause,” he said.
