Almost 150 senior citizens from the Lower Mountains and Emu Plains were treated to a Christmas ‘young at heart’ lunch courtesy of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary and Emu Plains Sports Club on December 9.
This spectacular event is a real Christmas highlight for so many of the senior citizens confined to nursing homes and villages – without family members in the area.
Rotary organisers work with nursing homes and welfare agencies to finalise the comprehensive guest list and Rotarians provide transport with their own vehicles.
Rotary chairman and master of ceremonies for the event, Dr John Keogh, said this year’s event was the best ever – but would not have been possible without magnificent support from Emu Plains Sports Club who provide all meals at heavily discounted prices to make the project financially viable.
He said many other community groups contribute to the success of this special seniors Christmas party including Blue Mountains Concert Band, Ex-Gracia Choir, and pupils at Lapstone Public School who write personalised Christmas cards for every guest.
Mr Keogh said the guests delight in the splendid Christmas music provided by the band and choir.
“They each have about two dozen members and the Christmas music is first class,” he said.
More than 40 Rotarians help with the project – from providing transport to waiting on tables to serve meals and drinks, to washing the dishes!.
Rotary President Rennie Schmid said it was Lower Blue Mountains best ‘feel good’ project of the year and always attracts plenty of volunteer support.
He said the club is always focused on community support projects and will now turn its attention to assisting its favourite local charity, Gateway Family Services, with the sponsorship, packing and delivery of Christmas hampers to needy families throughout the Lower Mountains.
President Schmid said the club is always pleased to hear from community members who feel they might light to ‘give something back’ by joining Rotary.
“We have a club of more than 60 members (male and female) of all ages and offer a wide variety of community service programs – along with fun social activities.
“We are also finalising plans for another brilliant Australia Day Party on Glenbrook Park and would love to hear from citizens interested in volunteering to assist with the conduct of the day.
“Prospective members – and/or Australia Day volunteers – may contact me on 0407 745 616, or club service director and past president Pamela Noal on 0447 778 870,” he said.