Melbourne celebrates Christmas with cheer spread across the city

Melbourne’s most vulnerable got a dose of Yuletide cheer when a dozens of people pitched in to ensure they were looked after over Christmas.

Hundreds of takeaway meals will be given to homeless from Salvos Project 614 window Picture: Sarah Matray

Some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people got a dose of Yuletide cheer when a mix of businesses and other groups pitched in to ensure they were looked after over Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, 75 people were treated to a ride on Melbourne Star, while Nando’s Waterfront City provided Christmas meals.

About 300 people enjoyed Christmas Day brunch outdoors courtesy of Docklands’ Cargo Restaurant, while Parliament House prepared hundreds of meals for the Salvation Army’s Project 614 facility in Bourke Street.

Collingwood Football Club identities including president Eddie McGuire and player Mason Cox were on hand to help the Salvos hand out the takeaway meals for rough sleepers and others doing it tough.

Meanwhile, Ann Peacock from Crown pitched in 500 gift bags.

Geva Mentor, Major, Brendan Nottle, Mason Cox and Eddie McGuire on hand to support the Salvos. Picture: Sarah Matray

Project 614 coordinator Major Brendan Nottle said 2020 had been an incredibly tough year for so many, yet people were still stepping up and generously providing support to those doing it tough.

“Melbourne Star, Nando’s, Cargo Restaurant, Collingwood Football Club, Crown and Parliament of Victoria have been exceptional in their willingness to think of others in this difficult time,” he said.

“They are not simply providing a meal or a ride on a ferris wheel, but they are reminding people that they are not forgotten, and that there is a whole community that is remembering them and caring for them at this difficult time of the year.”

Major Nottle said welfare agencies were seeing a big increase in the number of rough sleepers being released from hotels where they were accommodated during the pandemic.

“They are looking for long term housing options, but their situation is made worse because it’s Christmas,” he said.

“Many of them are reminded what they don’t have at Christmas, and that’s connection with family and friends.”

“They can become very distressed at this time of year.”

Project 614 usually runs a night cafe in its Bourke St building, but it was unable to host people through the pandemic.

Takeaway food and drink has been provided from a window in a nearby laneway.

Originally published as Melbourne celebrates Christmas with cheer spread across the city