Community spirit shines with Christmas lunch for disaster-affected residents

Far North flood and cyclone affected residents have been invited to a special Christmas lunch to spread community cheer as clean up efforts begin around the region.

Ron Baldwin, David Lennie and Ursula Baldwin will spread Christmas cheer to those who have been affected by cyclone Jasper at the annual Cairns Community Christmas Lunch on December 25.

Flood and cyclone affected residents have been invited to a special Christmas lunch at St Augustine’s College on Christmas Day.

President of the Cairns Community Christmas Lunch David Lennie said he wanted to spread some Christmas cheer to those who had been adversely affected by flooding following cyclone Jasper.
“I think people need this, particularly because of the cyclone that came through and all of the suburbs that were flooded. I’ve had lots of my friends flooded and they don’t necessarily want to cook on Christmas Day,” Mr Lennie said.
“We’re doing a three course experience with ham, turkey, roast potatoes, Christmas pudding, you name it, it’s all there.”
Mr Lennie said he expected to feed up to 500 people on the day.

“We’ll have the meals ready so everyone can sit down together, or to take away. We don’t mind, it’s all there for the community. It’s absolutely top class food. We’ll have drinks, waiters, it’s all table service,” he said.

Mr Lennie said there would also be a 22ft Christmas tree with presents for children.

“I want people to feel good,” Mr Lennie said.
While Mr Lennie has enough volunteers to act as wait staff, he said volunteers were still needed to pick up and drop off guests.

“We still need a few drivers to pick up and drop people off and some lollies and chocolates to give to the kids. They always go down a treat,” Mr Lennie said.

“We want to encourage people who need a lift to book 48 hours ahead. Last year we had a man who didn’t know about the free drop off and pick up services we offer and he walked all the way from Woree in the heat.”

Lunch will be served from 11.30am on Christmas Day at the dining hall of St Augustine’s College Draper Street, Cairns.
For more information or to book transport to and from the lunch within 15km of Cairns CBD, call 4059 2478.

Originally published as Community spirit shines with Christmas lunch for disaster-affected residents