With 14 years and more than 5000 Christmas lunches served, the Kinship At Christmas Foundation free Christmas Day lunch returns to Blackheath Community Centre on December 25.
This year the group has an additional service on offer —a mini-bus run from the Lower Mountains in the morning and a return trip after lunch.
The Kinship At Christmas free lunches had reached “institutional status” among many Blue Mountains residents, said spokesman Mark Ptolemy.
“Our sense of community is reinforced by our belief that no-one should spend Christmas Day alone,” he said. “Our doors are open to everyone; locals and visitors alike. It’s free and there are no strings attached.
“We’re not part of any religious or other organisation. We’re simply community members with a common purpose: to provide a safe and happy environment to share a special day of the year.”
Mr Ptolemy said the Blackheath lunch was co-ordinated by Roxanne Wilshire and a team of “wonderful, hard-working volunteers”.
“The day promises to be abundant with good food, good company and a great sense of community.
“We all know that the Blue Mountains have had a rough few months. This is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate getting through 2013 in one piece,” Mr Ptolemy said.
For details visit www.kinshipatchristmas.com.au or www.facebook.com/KinshipAtChristmas.
For volunteer enquiries call Roxanne on 0451 462 966. For transportation enquiries call 0449 517 027 or email kinshipatchristmas@live.com.au
