Push to spread cheer to all

By Paul Dunlop
VOLUNTEERS are working overtime to make sure the spirit of Christmas reaches every home.
Charity groups, churches and community organisations are doing their utmost to make the festive season a merry one for all.
Toys and hampers are being distributed to needy families, turkey dinners are being prepared and parties planned.
Christmas can be a tough time for many people. Yuletide spending can create financial headaches long after the holiday seasons ends. It can also be a lonely and emotional time.
The 4Cs (Cardinia Combined Churches Caring) Emergency Food Bank has been preparing for months to bring a touch of muchneeded cheer to hundreds of homes around Cardinia Shire.
Food Bank coordinator Jeni Mathieson said the demand for food hampers at Christmas had risen dramatically in recent times.
“It goes up every year,” she said.
“Last year we did about 400 and it keeps growing. Six years ago when we started we only did a handful but, as the population has increased, so has the demand.”
The 4Cs provides food and other support services for people in need. Mrs Mathieson said Christmas was the charity organisation’s busiest time of year.
“It can be a tough time of year,” she said.
“Every parent wants to give their children a nice Christmas and part of the problem is that people want to go that step further. “We’re here to help, we want to help. We hate to think of anyone not having a nice Christmas.”
On Christmas Day, volunteers from Big House Communities will prepare a massive feast at the Pakenham Hall.
The inaugural Aussie Christmas Celebration will kick off at 1pm Christmas Day.
On the menu are all the traditional trappings including hams, roast chicken and turkey, roast vegies, puddings and cakes, and even a pavlova or two.
After lunch there will be the opportunity to sit and chat with others, listen to a yarn or two and even play a game of backyard cricket.
For the kids there will be sack races, and the old egg and spoon.
Santa is even expected to make a visit on his way back to the North Pole.
“Christmas is meant to be a time of celebration, where we remember the special gift that came in the form of a baby,” Big House Communities director Andre Van Eymeren said.
“But for many the real meaning and joy of Christmas is lost.
“Big House would like to offer people a chance to celebrate with others at Christmas, and give the opportunity for all of us to recapture some of that meaning and joy,”
The invitation is open to any that would like to join in the free celebrations.
The invitation is also there for those who might like to volunteer to help out on the day. The event is alcohol free.
For more details, or to register for the lunch, call Andre or Amy on 5941 8147.