Helping others at Toowoomba’s Neighbourhood Christmas

Making sure as many as possible enjoy the seasonal spirit

The ultimate Christmas lunch is being held for people who might not be able to enjoy the festive season at all.

The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, together with METRO Church Toowoomba, will host the second Toowoomba’s Neighbourhood Christmas on Christmas Day, which will include a two-course lunch, a visit from Santa and gifts for the kids.

METRO Church pastor Matt Gregg says the event supports so many families in the region and celebrates what Christmas is all about — family.

“Christmas is meant to be a time of fun and family and laughter and all of those things but sometimes it can be quite difficult for people to enjoy it because they are going through extreme hardship,” he says.

Mr Gregg says without the lunch, some people might not be having a Christmas at all.

Last year, it welcomed about 160 guests and this year can host up to 200.

Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Alison Kennedy says guests attending the lunch could be people from disadvantaged families, those suffering homelessness and anybody feeling lonely on the day without family.

“We are super excited because there are some really special people in Toowoomba who really love this event and they come along on Christmas to celebrate the beautiful day,” she says.

This year the lunch will be catered by local cafe ParisiAnn Patisserie, which has already cooked up more than 200 Christmas cakes that will only get tastier with time.

Those interested or interested in volunteering should contact the foundation on 0419 789 922.

Those wanting to attend the lunch as a guest can be referred to the foundation by their local community service provider.

LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO GET INVOLVED, BY SPONSORING A TABLE FOR $500