Continuing Christmas tradition

Organising a free community Christmas dinner at the St Clair Bowling Club on Friday are (from...
Organising a free community Christmas dinner at the St Clair Bowling Club on Friday are (from left) Craig Reed, his sons Walter (8), Albie (12) and Fred (11), and their mother Rachel. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
Christmas is about giving and that is exactly what the Reed family intends to do for the Dunedin community this year.

They have organised a free community Christmas lunch at the St Clair Bowling Club, which is next door to their home, for those who will be alone or without extended family on Christmas Day.

It continues a three-year tradition started by the previous owners of their house, Sandra and Trevor Mason, from whom the Reeds bought their house a couple of years ago.

The families teamed up for last year’s lunch, but this year Rachel Reed, her husband Craig and their three children Albie, Fred and Walter wanted to continue that tradition as it was something close to their hearts.

"We know how lonely [Christmas] can be," Mrs Reed said.

"We don’t want people home by themselves on such a special day."

People of all ages and all walks of life who wanted company on Christmas Day were welcome.

In previous years everyone from fathers with children, couples, individuals, to mothers with grown-up sons had come along, she said.

"[This year] there will be people not being able to travel home from overseas [due to Covid-19 restrictions].

"It has been a strange year ... It will be extra special to have everyone together."

It was thanks to sponsorships from local businesses, generous donations from individuals, and about 40 people volunteering to help on the day including the Masons, that the lunch could go ahead, she said.

Midway Motors had also lent their community van for the day so those who could not drive would be able to arrange to be picked up.

"We have had lots of people wanting to do something for the community, which is lovely.

"We are leading it, but we couldn’t do it without everyone else."

The festivities will run from noon to 3pm and lunch will be served at 12.30pm.

As of Friday, Ms Reed said they had 50 bookings which left 50 more spaces to fill.

In Dunedin, there will also be a free community Christmas barbecue lunch at the East Taieri Church from 11.30am, organised by the Saddle Hill Foundation, as well as the Dunedin Community Christmas Dinner, in Dunedin Town Hall at the same time, on Christmas Day.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement