A "fantastic community response", both to the call for volunteers and from those signing up to be guests, will ensure a joyful community Christmas Day for more than 600 people this year.
A couple of months ago, the event was in doubt, with organisers struggling to get the ball rolling.
The Acts of Kindness Charitable Trust, led by Grant and the late Anne Hardy and their son Zachariah, had organised the Community Christmas Dinner since 2013. However, after Mrs Hardy’s death in July, Mr Hardy and Zachariah were battling to find the energy to take on the huge task.
So the Dunedin City Council and Dunedin Community House stepped in to help, with Cr Kevin Gilbert, Community House chairman Cr Andrew Whiley and executive officer Rob Tigeir providing practical support.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich has supported the event through the Mayoral Fund.
Compass is providing access to its kitchens, with stalwart chef Geoff Stewart returning to lead the team preparing the festive meal for about 500 guests, plus volunteers, on Christmas Day.
Cr Gilbert said people had been "relieved and happy" to hear the Dunedin Community Christmas Dinner would be going ahead this year.
"Many of them are people who come every year — it makes Christmas Day special for them, which is what it’s all about."
Mr Tigeir said it was "heartening to see such a response from the community — we have been blown away by how keen people are to volunteer".
"It is incredible that so many people are happy to give up so much time on Christmas Day to do something for others — I am looking forward to meeting those people on the day," he said.
"We have more than 180 volunteers signed up, and that is all that we need, so registrations for volunteers are now closed."
Among those volunteers are local musicians and performers, who will provide a lively programme of entertainment throughout the day, which will be compered by Cr Bill Acklin.
Cr Gilbert also paid tribute to the businesses and organisations which were lending a hand to ensure the smooth running of the event.
"The response has been phenomenal — it shows the great community spirit we have here in Dunedin."
Mr Hardy said things were "coming together nicely" for the event, and he was "looking forward to a really good Christmas Day".
"This could be one of the best yet," he said.
While hundreds of people have signed up to be guests at the Dunedin Community Christmas Dinner, there are still some places available.
- People have until the end of tomorrow (Friday, December 22) to register by contacting Dunedin Community House, phone (03) 471-6150 , website dch.org.nz, or by calling in at reception at 43 Princes St.
