- intouch Magazine
Community Band Together for Christmas Cheer
The Christmas Team at Samaritans is busy preparing for big festive picnic community lunches in Newcastle and Singleton. For more than 15 years, Samaritans have hosted these lunches to offer children, women and men experiencing homelessness, disadvantage or loneliness, much-needed compassion on Christmas Day.
With the impacts of lockdowns still being felt, Samaritans know there are people in our communities who may not celebrate Christmas this year. So, the picnic concept was created for guests to enjoy lunch and gifts on Christmas Day with their loved ones on their own picnic rug at Newcastle Foreshore or Singleton Showground.
Christmas Lunch in the Park (Newcastle) coordinator Dana Pichaloff said these two fabulous events were only possible due to the generosity of the local communities, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers.
“I wish to acknowledge the kindness we have experienced in relation to our Christmas picnics. A huge and sincere thank you to the individuals, businesses, organisations and groups that have jumped in to support our events,” Mrs Pichaloff said.
In Newcastle, the sponsors include Port Waratah Coal Services, Greater Bank, Varley Group, Adoram Steel, Commonwealth Bank, First National Newcastle City, Hunter Homes, Judo Bank, LJ Hooker Belmont, Newcastle Weighing Services, Pitcher Partners, Tyrepower, Diamond IT, Jesmond Lions Club, KFC, McCarroll’s Automotive Group, Woolworths, Events Cinema and Serve Tech.
In Singleton, they include BHP, Mt Owen Glendell Operations – Glencore, Yancoal – Mt Thorley Warkworth, Singleton Diggers, Northern Agricultural Association, Club Singleton, Bloomfield Group Foundation, Thiess, Hunter Valley Operations and Singleton Council.
Christmas Lunch in Singleton coordinator Kim-Cherie Davidson said there were still many opportunities to help through donations, in-kind support and volunteering.
“Each location has different requests. For example, in Singleton, we still need at least 15 volunteers to help on Christmas Day. The roles include morning set up, hamper and gift-giving, photographer, and clean up, to name a few,” Ms Davidson said.
“Whereas in Newcastle, they are on a mission to find 200 rugs to shower the foreshore with colour and guests to be comfortable. They are asking for new picnic rugs, about $15 each at leading retailers, to be donated. “
“We are asking for your support as a sponsor, donor or volunteer at Newcastle or Singleton to help us spread some Christmas sparkle and cheer to ensure no one needs to experience Christmas alone or go without during the festive season.”
Picnic Christmas Lunch in the Park (Newcastle) will be at Newcastle Foreshore from 11am to 1pm, and Picnic Christmas
Lunch in Singleton will be at the Singleton Showground from 11am to 1pm Christmas Day.
To be a sponsor, donor, and/or volunteer for Newcastle, Email sharyn.becker@samaritans.org.au or for Singleton,
Email kimcherie.davidson@samaritans.org.au Phone 0427 867 969
