Cairns Community Christmas Lunch a huge success thanks to great supporters said David Lennie
At the annual Cairns Community Christmas Lunch more than 300 people enjoyed a delicious meal and the opportunity to connect, all thanks to big-hearted supporters.
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Friendship, fabulous food, and festvities were the order of the day at the annual Cairns Community Christmas Lunch, where volunteers sacrificed their time and energy to spread a little cheer.
Hundreds of guests at St Augustine’s College on Sunday enjoyed a tip-top meal cooked, prepared and served by 50 “outstanding” volunteers, many wearing bright shirts, antlers or Santa hats, according to the event organiser David Lennie who worked alongside his wife Liz.
While for many Cairns residents, Christmas can be the loneliest time of the year, the annual lunch offered up genuine kindness, friendship, support and an opportunity to be part of the community, he said.
“We get locals, visitors, people missing family, those here for work or study and it’s marvellous to be able to provide this lunch,” he said.
“It really shows the big heart our Cairns community has.”
For Lucas Santiago, 12, the luncheon was “so very good.”
Lucas who’s smile could light up half the town, attended with his mum Yvette Santiago and her partner Harry Jewson.
The trio who live in Cairns said the meal was delicious.
“This a great lunch,” Ms Santiago said.
“Everyone is so friendly, we have been coming for years.”
Lucas was also thrilled with his Christmas gift of a racquet and ball set.
“We will be able to play this at home,” he said.
“I’m so very happy.”
Many of the guests leapt into the Christmas spirit, with party hats and festive accessories.
The event attracted people from all over the region.
For Jonathon Peterson, his partner Francesca Cucchiaro and their baby daughter Dafne Peterson, the lunch was a lovely opportunity to meet other people.
The family, who moved to Cairns from New Zealand 18 months ago, said they appreciated the occasion.
“This is awesome,” Mr Peterson said.
“It’s a really nice meal.”
Arriving with three big boxes of gifts for children was Ken Frost Homes marketing manager Alex Loughton, with son Liam and daughter Ivy.
“We bought these and wrapped them at the office,” he said.
“It’s important to share the joy at this time of the year.”
Ivy and Liam agreed.
“”It’s good to share the joy of giving,” Liam said.
“Its important to share the Christmas spirit,” Ivy said.
Mr Lennie said the event could not have occurred without the dedicated support of sponsors, donors and volunteers.
“We are so fortunate to have so many big-hearted people in our region.”
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Originally published as Cairns Community Christmas Lunch a huge success thanks to great supporters said David Lennie
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