The Christmas spirit in the Blue Mountains is promising to be twice as good with the announcement that the Kinship At Christmas Foundation is opening a second free Christmas Day lunch at the Blaxland Community Centre this year.
Along with its long-running Blackheath lunch, the second venue, in partnership with the Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, will provide a much needed service for Lower Mountains residents who may find themselves alone on Christmas Day.
Now in its 18th year, the Kinship At Christmas free lunch has become a Blue Mountains institution.
Kinship At Christmas chairperson Mark Ptolemy said he is proud of the growth of Kinship At Christmas and the fact that many people have had such positive experiences joining the free Christmas Day activities.
“We are so pleased about having another Blue Mountains venue and working in partnership with the Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre to provide the Blaxland lunch,” he said.
According to Mr Ptolemy, no one should have to spend Christmas day by themselves.
“The two free lunches will provide a great time for anyone who may otherwise spend Christmas day alone and we can provide transport for local residents too.”
In addition to the free Christmas Day lunches, Kinship At Christmas also provide gifts for many aged Care facility residents throughout the Blue Mountains. Now in its third year, the Kinship Gift Giving Program has giving out hundreds of gifts to aged local people.
“It is a privilege to be able to make Christmas special for so many people and to work with many wonderful local volunteers. Our services come with no cost, no strings and everyone is welcome,” said Mr Ptolemy.
The Kinship At Christmas Foundation is a Blue Mountains based non-profit organisation which has no religious or other affiliation.
The Blaxland Kinship Lunch will be held at the Blaxland Community Centre, 33 Hope Street Blaxland from 10.30am Christmas Day.
The Blackheath Kinship Lunch will be held at the Blackheath Community Centre on the corner of Great Western Highway and Gardiners Avenue Blackheath from 10.30am on Christmas Day.
For further information call or text 0414993873 or email kinshipatchristmas@live.com.au or visit www.Facebook.com/KinshipAtChristmas.