Christmas is a time for family and friends, but for those who may feel left out in the community the festive season can be an isolating time.
After a very successful start last year, the Grain Shed Church of Christ will be holding a free Christmas lunch for anyone who wants to join them.
Grain Shed senior pastor Simon Warrick said the lunch is for “anyone who has nowhere else to be”.
“Historically we always did a service on Christmas Day, but last year we wanted to do something a bit different. So we decided to put on a lunch for anyone who wanted to come,” Pastor Warrick said.
“We provide an environment where anyone can come and be a part of a community on Christmas Day.”
Last year the lunch was promoted through various community groups such as Mallee Family Care, MDAS and Swan Hill District Hospital.
About 100 people showed up including volunteers and guests.
“I didn’t have too much of a set idea of who would come to the lunch last year,” Pastor Warrick said.
“We ended up having a real variety of people stop by; people with no family, couples, families, people with special needs and single people.
“We had one man come who hitchhiked his way from Nyah West to join us. That was just incredible and we made sure he had a ride home.
“It makes you realise the isolation some people are living in. There are plenty of people who feel isolated in the community and we want to make this a place where anyone can feel like they’re welcome.”
To read more about this story, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (December 9).
