The charities, churches and cafes to welcome the needy over Christmas
Christmas is a tough time for many — especially the homeless, the cash-strapped or those without friends or family to spend it with. But caring Melbourne charities, churches and eateries are giving the needy somewhere to go.
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Christmas is a tough day for many — especially the homeless, the cash-strapped or those without friends or family to share the day with.
But for those who need or want some company, a good meal and some kindness, cafe owners, charities and churches are throwing open their hearts and doors.
Frankston Life Community Christmas event founder Mark Whitby said many suffered through Christmas due to isolation and loneliness.
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“For some it’s because Christmas reminds them of lost loved ones, many are a long way from family, others may have no one to share the day with, while some people can’t afford food and gifts,” Mr Whitby said.
So in the spirit of Christmas, here’s a list of what’s on near you.
THE SALVOS
The Salvation Army are hosting Christmas lunches at multiple Melbourne locations. All welcome, bookings essential for catering and volunteer purposes.
Sunshine:
Christmas Day lunch from 12-2pm. 42 Devonshire Rd, Sunshine.
Bookings: 9364 9335
Glen Waverley:
Christmas Day lunch from 12-1:30pm, 958 High St Rd, Glen Waverley.
Bookings: 9803 2587
Sunbury:
Christmas Day lunch from 11:30am-2pm, Sunbury Baptist Church, 207 Gap Rd, Sunbury.
Bookings: 9740 7683
THE NORTH
COMMUNITY DINNER
Now and Not Yet community cafe in Warrandyte will host a free community dinner on December 23. Cafe spokesperson Rachael Banks said the concept represented the cafe’s ethos.
“We invite anyone who would like to attend the dinner to come on down; they may be experiencing financial hardship, or they may otherwise be spending the day alone, or even if you just want to be a part of a warm and enjoyable Christmas evening celebration, to come along and dine on a scrumptious Christmas meal,” she said.
On Sunday December 23, from 5.30pm at Now and Not Yet, 148 Yarra St Warrandyte
BBQ LUNCH
All Saints Anglican Church will host a casual free lunch on Thursday December 27, from 12-1pm. All welcome.
All Saints Anglican Church, 14 Church St Greensborough
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS
If you’re at a loose end on Christmas Day, Diamond Valley Uniting Church will provide a relaxed lunch, with door to door transport for those who need it. Lunch will start on December 25 from 12pm.
Uniting Church Hall, cnr Main Hurstbridge Rd and Wensley St, Diamond Creek Details: Graham on 0419 361 487
GIVING HOPE
Hope Cafe in Fawkner will host a free Christmas dinner from 6-8pm on December 20.
St Marks Church, 9 Lee St, Fawkner
THE SOUTH
CHRISTMAS EVE LUNCH
The annual Bayside Chuch Community Christmas Eve Lunch has been running since 1992 and enables people to enjoy the trimmings of Christmas and make new friends. The lunch caters for up to 300 people and includes a traditional three-course Christmas lunch and Santa Claus for the kids. Lunch runs from 11:45am-2pm.
Bayside Church, 99-101 Argus St Cheltenham
BYO PICNIC LUNCH IN THE PARK
The Newcomers Network are hosting their 13th annual Christmas Day lunch, from 12-3pm. All welcome, including expatriates, repatriates, migrants, international students and “Christmas Day orphans.” Bring your own food, picnic blanket or chair, and wear a name tag.
Queen Victoria Gardens, 99 St Kilda Rd, opposite National Gallery of Victoria
Free registration at Eventbrite
FREE CHURCH LUNCH
Bookings are essential for the Christmas lunch at St Anthonys Parish in Glenhuntly. RSVP by December 19, lunch starts from 12pm on December 25. Ph: 95692099 or email: stanthony.christmasdinner@gmail.com
St Anthony’s Parish Hall, cnr Grange and Neerim roads Glenhuntly
MEAL MISSION
St Kilda’s Sacred Heart Mission provides hearty, nutritious meals 365 days of the year; everyone is welcome at their table. Christmas lunch will run from 11.45am-1.15pm on December 25.
Sacred Heart Mission Dining Hall, 87 Grey St St Kilda
THE SOUTHEAST
FRANKSTON LIFE CHRISTMAS LUNCH
A free Christmas Day lunch will be held at Frankston Arts Centre, hosted by volunteers from the charity Frankston Life Community.
Event founder Mark Whitby said last year, more than 350 guests enjoyed a Christmas celebration with all the trimmings, and 150 volunteers cooked and served attendees.
The event includes a meal, live entertainment and gifts.
Entry via ticket available from Frankston Life Community Store, Station St, Frankston; Community Support Frankston, 35 Beach St, Frankston; Frankston North Community Centre, 26 Mahogany Ave, Frankston North; and council’s Seaford Customer Service Centre at Seaford Community Hall, Station St.
Donated gifts can be left at the giving tree at Frankston Library.
For sponsorship, donations or to volunteer, go to frankston.life
Frankston Arts Centre, 27-37 Davey St Frankston
THE EAST
CHRISTMAS ANGEL
Foothills Community Care Ferntree Gully will host a Christmas Day lunch from 12 noon on December 25. Food, drinks, entertainment and presents from the Christmas angel will be included. Assistance with transport is available. Book early to avoid missing out (places are limited) Ph: 8711 8677 or email: enquiries@foothillscare.org.au
St John the Baptist Parish Hall, 19 Forest Rd Ferntree Gully
BIG-HEARTED CAFE CHARITY
The Belgrave cafe Brewtime will open doors from 11-2 for lunch. Generous owners Eboni and Michael Bennett said they were putting on a free Christmas roast for those in need. “We have decided to give some Christmas joy to lonely and less fortunate peoplem,” Ms Bennett said.
Walk-ins welcome, but bookings can also be made on 9752 5923.
Brewtime cafe is at 156 Colby Drive, Belgrave South
WHAT TO SEE
So you’ve had your Christmas feast but you’re still not worn out? Here’s some more free options for festive fun in Melbourne’s CBD.
MYER CHRISTMAS WINDOWS
Each year since 1956 the Myer Christmas Windows tell a different story. This year, the windows theme is based on ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Find them on Bourke St, Melbourne CBD.
OLD TREASURY BUILDING
Immerse yourself in a time gone by and visit the Old Treasury Building’s annual Christmas display from the 1920s. Find it at 20 Spring St, Melbourne.
FEDERATION SQUARE
Running until December 25, Federation Square will be buzzing day and night with Christmas activities including the Gingerbread Village, the Giant Christmas Bauble, the 16m-tall LED Christmas tree, and the nightly Christmas projections and light show. Federation Square is at the corner of Swanston St and Flinders St, Melbourne.
>> HAVE WE MISSED ANY FREE OR NEWSWORTHY CHRISTMAS EVENTS ? TELL US BELOW
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