THE Salvation Army Sunraysia’s annual Christmas lunch was larger than in recent years, with 180 people turning out for a lively afternoon of “chatter, laughter and good vibes”.
Salvation Army Sunraysia Major Debbie Serojales said a morning service titled Names of Jesus’, attended by about 140, was followed by a jovial lunch with “so much food”.
“It was a very busy day, there were good vibes and lots of chatter and laughter, it was fun,” Major Serojales said.
“The day before we had so much food donated, many hams, so the meal expanded on top of what had already been arranged.
“We had an amazing team of about 20 volunteers who gave their own time to help. It was great.”
Major Serojales said people attended the Salvos’ Christmas Day lunch for a variety of reasons, including financial hardship, loneliness or just as an opportunity to be part of a joyous community gathering.
“The group we have is so diverse," she said.
"Some people can’t afford food but others might just want to have that real feeling of joy, real conversation.
“We had one person, who had lost her daughter this year and was alone this Christmas and by the end she was smiling and left with a new friend.
“It just shows how new friends can be made in a small amount of time."
Major Serojales said the event, which this year was themed 'Be the light', continued to be important.
“It’s much-needed. I think it’s really important to continue to do it the best we can,” she said.
“But we can only do it with the support of others. I thank the community for their support with food donations as well as the extra gifts for the kids.
“And the Red Shield Appeal that we do in May supports events like this.
“Some of our volunteers come back year after year, others bring family or might start the day and then go to family, they give four hours and they love to help and serve others.”
It will be the last Mildura Christmas Day Worship and Lunch for Major Serojales and her husband Major Rod Serojales with the Salvation Army moving them to a new role in Melbourne and new leadership set to arrive at the Etiwanda Avenue facility next month.
“We’ve been here for four years and we’ve loved getting to know the people in the area,” she said.
In addition to the volunteers, and donations from residents, the lunch was supported by APCO Mildura’s Café 24/7, Uncle Monkey’s Fruit Market and Scenic Tours.
