A community Christmas lunch is back on the menu in Alexandra as residents take on hosting duties.
This comes after lunch was cancelled when no organisers could be found.
A Christmas lunch has been held annually for about 16 years.
Warren Wharton, Cathryn Roberston and Andrew Howley, all of Alexandra, organised the new lunch to be held at noon on Christmas Day in the St Enoch's church grounds.
Mr Wharton said they decided to run their own event after reading about the cancellation of the lunch in the newspaper.
‘‘We didn't want to see people eating alone on Christmas.''
It would be a ‘‘simple affair'' with a barbecue and soft drinks, he said.
There was the option of eating inside the church if the weather was bad.
The trio would welcome donations, but would foot the bill for what could not be funded.
There had already been offers of food and volunteers for the day.
The lunch cancellation had left a void for the fruit pickers and seasonal workers who typically attended.
Mr Wharton said the group could ‘‘easily cater'' for last year's turnout of 120 people, but did not expect that many this late.
‘‘It would be great to get that many, but if not, everyone will have a good feed.''
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper was ‘‘very pleased'' at the news.
‘‘It shows you what happens in our community. When there is a gap to be filled, someone will fill it.''
Reservations could be made by calling (03) 448-7771 or at christmas@alexchurch.org.
-by Jono Edwards
