Chapel by the Sea Christmas lunch

Christmas Day can be a hard time for those away from home or down on their luck.

This year the Chapel by the Sea will again be running a free community lunch at their premises: 95 Roscoe Street Bondi Beach (corner Gould Street).

Everyone is welcome from noon to 2 pm on Christmas Day.

At Chapel by the Sea on Christmas Day a traditional Christmas lunch is served to everyone who chooses to attend.

The Chapel’s minister, the Rev. John Queripel said, “We do not judge who should be permitted to attend so guests may be needy people living rough, lonely people needing companionship or even overseas travellers away from their families for Christmas.

“We will collect those who are unable to arrive unassisted and deliver to those who are house-bound.”

The food is provided from donations from companies, by Oz Harvest and the various organisations and people who have offered their support through Streethearts.

At the end of the lunch guests in need are provided with take away containers with enough food to get them through the next few days until the other agencies reopen.

Mr Queripel said, “We also take any extra food to Mathew Talbot Hostel, and various other hostels around Sydney and freeze whatever possible for the Chapel’s Norman Andrews House.

“There are gifts for all the children and, if donations and funds make it possible, we have gift for all the most needy of the adults and sometimes hampers of goodies.”

He said, ‘The entire preparation and the day are done by volunteers. It is heart warming how many people offer their help for this day.

“They come in shifts, to chop vegetables for the salads, or serve the guests and sit with them in friendship, or spend the afternoon clearing up.

“It is a wonderful, warm occasion bringing together a range of people to make the day special for people who may have otherwise been alone and hungry.”

If you would like to help either on or before the day please contact Gillian Levett 0418441401.