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Preparations are underway to ensure everyone on the Hibiscus Coast gets a chance to enjoy good kai and good company on Christmas Day.
The annual Orewa Community Christmas Lunch, which has been running for around 19 years, is free of charge and is usually attended by 100-180 people.
It is organised by The Salt Community Trust and made possible by donations from churches, businesses and individuals.
The Trust is asking local businesses if they can lend a hand to help make this year’s lunch a success.
Event coordinator Deb Hunt says the main thing needed is support from local businesses.
“As you can imagine, it costs a fair bit to put on a free Christmas lunch for so many people, so we’d gratefully receive any donations,” she says.
“We have a big range of ages and backgrounds joining us each year. It’s a wonderful, relaxed place to be on Christmas Day, and a great way to get to know others in the community. There’s no need to make a reservation – just show up on the day and we will make sure you’re taken care of. Our guests come for so many different reasons – we just want to make sure no one’s hungry or in need of company on Christmas Day.”
Deb says putting on the lunch is a big community effort.
“So many locals help out, not just on the day but also in the lead up to it and packing up afterwards. It’s inspiring to see the way Coasties look after each other,” she says.
The event will be held at the Orewa Community Centre, 368 Hibiscus Coast Highway, on Christmas Day, 11.30am-2pm.
Info and donations: email christmas@salttrust.org.nz
Lovely free dinner
Love Soup Hibiscus Coast is also providing a free Christmas feast for the community, on December 22 at Whangaparaoa Hall, starting at 5pm. Last year 220 people joined the festivities, which include a visit from Santa. This year Love Soup director Julie King says they are asking people to pre-register by filling out the form on the Love Soup Hibiscus Coast Facebook page, so they can cater for the right numbers and know how many children are attending.
