Nathan Buckley, Mason Cox deliver Christmas cheer
Collingwood star Mason Cox and former coach Nathan Buckley have joined the Salvation Army handing out Christmas hampers to those in need.
Victoria
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Melbourne’s most vulnerable were treated to a special Christmas Day luncheon as Collingwood stars and The Salvation Army distributed hundreds of meals to those doing it tough these holidays.
Instead of dasher and dancer, Collingwood star Mason Cox and former coach Nathan Buckley were in charge of bringing the Christmas cheer this year, distributing hampers packed with food and goodies to patrons outside of the Salvos’ Magpie Nest Cafe on Bourke St.
Sausage sandwiches, turkey rolls, and Christmas cake were all on the menu for this year’s luncheon, which was takeaway only to ensure the event was Covid-safe for the estimated 600 attendees.
The annual luncheon has become a tradition for the American star Cox, who like many attendees, will not be spending time with his family these holidays.
“I don’t have family here [in Australia],” said the Texas-born forward-ruck who joined dozens of volunteers in helping put on today’s luncheon.
“So, this has become a bit of a Christmas tradition for me, it’s great to give back and help the Salvos. This country has given me a lot of happiness and experiences so I try to give back when I can.”
The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle, who oversees the Salvos welfare response in Melbourne’s CBD, says today’s luncheon was the charity’s biggest one yet.
“It shows us people aren’t just after a beautiful meal, they are desperate for company, particularly coming out of Covid,” Major Nottle said.
The Salvos Melbourne boss said the pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on the charity’s services, but he remains hopeful Victorians will continue to rally in support of those in need.
“The challenge for us is there has been a large increase in numbers and a lot of new faces,” he said.
“But although things remain uncertain in terms of Covid, what I saw today in terms of Melburnians from all walks of life lending a hand, tells me we will get through this together.”
Today was a reminder, Major Nottle added, that kindness was the antidote to loneliness.
Kindness has been what has helped Brad Higgins get through some of the toughest periods of his life.
The 51-year old helped pack hampers for today’s luncheon, but only two years ago, he was the one who was in need of a helping hand.
“I just needed support badly, I was homeless at the time and really struggling a lot,” Mr Higgins recalls.
“It was one of the hardest times I could have ever imagined.”
After splitting up with his partner, losing his job, and ending up in a car accident which left him severely injured, Brad ended up sleeping rough on Melbourne’s streets for over a year.
Brad says it was only through the financial and social support from The Salvation Army that he managed to turn his life around.
“What they have done for me is enormous, that period was one of the hardest times I could ever have imagined,” he said.
As someone who attended the Salvos’ Christmas luncheons when he was homeless, Brad said the annual event will continue to bring hope to those most in need.
“So many people don’t have anyone to spend Christmas with, it is important just to have something,” he said.
“It really is so important.”
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