Festive cheer for families in need

Our Community Connections team in Kingaroy is, once again, delivering some festive cheer where it is most needed.

Each year, the team partners with families from St Mary’s Catholic College and the broader South Burnett community to fill dozens of hampers with essential household items, as well as Christmas treats.

Hundreds of donations are collected, sorted and lovingly packed for gifting to vulnerable families during a free Christmas lunch, also hosted by the Community Connections team.

The lunch begins at 10am on 16 December with craft, music and games and culminates in a sit-down festive feast with all the trimmings. Hams have been donated by SunPork and ingredients for salads by JC Catering.

Community Connections offers a welcoming space for people in the South Burnett to come together with others and feel a sense of belonging.

The Centacare Family and Relationships (CFRS) Care Support Worker stated that, for people experiencing challenges in their life, Christmas can create added financial pressure and intensify feelings of loneliness: “The community is feeling the pinch that little bit more this year with increased living costs and fewer affordable housing options.”

“Our Christmas lunch goes towards ensuring that those who don’t have much get to enjoy that special feeling that coming together with others for Christmas brings.”

“Even if it’s just opening a Christmas cracker with someone and sharing a silly joke or wearing the silly hat – it’s the little things that make all the difference”.

The team has 50 people registered to attend the lunch, which is 20 more than last year, made up of families and singles, young and old.

“It is wonderful to see the community come together and show such incredible kindness and generosity towards each other,” said the Support Worker.

“If only those who so kindly made this event possible could be here on the 16th to witness the joy that is experienced by those who will be participating!”

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