Catering for companionship
Organisers of Feilding’s Christmas Day lunch are making sure no-one is alone this festive season.
The community lunch at the Feilding Civic Centre is put on by Makino Rotary, Manchester House, the Salvation Army and St John’s Anglican Church.
Usually, the lunch attracts about 100 people and provides companionship for those who find themselves alone on Christmas Day.
However, organiser Nigel Ramsden anticipated several families affected by the coronavirus fallout would also come. ‘‘[We] expect 350 people this year, mainly as a result of the effects of Covid-19.
‘‘Catering for families or those on their own, this year’s lunch will be a full Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.’’
It even included presents for children, he said.
Now in its sixth year, the lunch is for anyone in need of company or a decent meal, for whatever reason. There will be all the staples of a festive Kiwi lunch, such as glazed ham and roast lamb, and tickets can be bought from Manchester House or the Salvation Army.
Leftover food is usually put in doggy bags for patrons to take home.
Many of those who attend are older people who don’t have family in the area or are widowed. The event fitted with the four organisations’ philosophies that the more giving in the world, the better everyone would be.
Ramsden said the lunch was once again supported by Feilding businesses, which was special considering the financial struggles many faced due to the nationwide lockdown earlier in the year.
Anyone who wants to help on the day can contact Ramsden at nigel.ramsden@xtra.co. nz or 027 453 5952.