Centacare Geraldton asks for community support and welcomes all for Christmas Day lunch

Geraldton’s Centacare Family Services is asking for support from the community as it prepares for its annual Christmas lunch. On Christmas the charity will be opening its doors to the public for its Community Christmas Lunch for anyone looking for a nice meal, and some good company Centacare’s Christmas Day lunch is a tradition that is more than 20 years old, entirely volunteer-run and funded by the charity’s annual Christmas appeal. Last year more than 150 members of the community attended despite scorching temperatures. Not only will the event include a tasty lunch, Santa will be there with gifts for kids. The Christmas lunch comes during the busiest time of year for Centacare, according to CEO David Power. “Christmas should be a time of celebration and family, but for many people this just isn’t the case,” he said. “We are proud to be able to continue the tradition of providing a free Christmas Day lunch for those who would not otherwise enjoy the spirit of Christmas.” Centacare thanked those who have already supported them this Christmas, especially Nagle Catholic College students who have been raising money for the lunch and packing lolly bags for the lunch. “It’s fantastic to be able to collaborate with Nagle Catholic College and the ability to provide opportunities for students where they can be a part of a community project that provides those in need a sense of hope and light this festive season,” general manager administration Cassie Willems said. Centacare said it also welcomed donations such as unopened toys, in-date and non-perishable food items, and financial contributions which could be dropped at the Centacare office on 3 Maitland St. To find out more about Centacare’s projects or register for the Christmas lunch, call 9921 1433.