SANTA REALLY DELIVERS
HOW GEELONG CELEBRATED:
CHRISTMAS can be a difficult time of the year for some, but the Salvation Army was there with a warm plate and a warm smile for those less fortunate.
Single mum Jody Winfield first went to Christmas lunch at the Corio hall three years ago and has never looked back.
Ms Winfield, her daughter Jasmine, 6, grandmother Sandra Vanderlei and friends Hayley and Anastasia Mitrakas, 5, joined 130 other people for a home-cooked Christmas lunch served by an army of dedicated volunteers.
Ms Winfield said the lunch gave her family a chance to have a stress-free and relaxing Christmas despite financial hardship.
“It’s lovely for myself, I can come here and they have everything – it doesn’t put pressure on sole parents who are living on next to nothing,” Ms Winfield said.
“It means I can give her (Jasmine) that extra something … family is the true meaning of Christmas.”
Jasmine said she had enjoyed opening presents from Santa including a Lego set and then devoured a delicious meal including turkey and potatoes for lunch.
Leopold woman Joy Hodgson has volunteered at the Christmas lunch for 10 years.
She said she loves serving others and having conversations with everyone on Christmas Day.
“You come her thinking you’re doing something for others and then you get so much love back,” Mrs Hodgson said.
Salvation Army major Joy Cassidy said people from all walks of life gathered together in the hall.
“We’ve had 117 booked in and three walk-ins,” Ms Cassidy said. “For many Christmas is difficult – for those struggling families or without food security, for those from broken relationships, people who are struggling with mental illness or who might be isolated.
“It is difficult for a whole heap of reasons.
“They can come here, be with others and those stressed can be alleviated.”
Guests enjoyed a lunch of pork, turkey, potatoes, pumpkin, corn and gravy topped off with cheesecake or plum pudding.