She has called Young home for just 11 months, but Melissa Martin has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the community and has organised a Christmas Day lunch at Hennessy Catholic College Hall.
Doors will open on Monday, December 25 at 11:30 am for a 12 noon start on a two-hour festive meal.
This event is alcohol-free and transport is available if required.
“The idea was to provide a lunch for the homeless, displaced or otherwise alone on Christmas,” Melissa said.
“I have catered for up to 100 guests. It is open to the community. Everybody can be together to celebrate Christmas and whatever food is left over can be shared out and taken home. It’s quite basic, but it includes a lunch meal and a dessert meal.”
The last time a Christmas luncheon was held in Young it was organised by the Combined Churches in 2019, so it has been a while.
Melissa has worked in the community sector for the past 20 years, working with people who need a hand-up.
“I just saw the need,” she said.
“I get an idea and I run with it. This is an example of how I’ve lived my life.”
Melissa said the response from the Young community has been overwhelming.
“As soon as I started talking to people about what I was doing, I had offers of donations from Woolworths, Big W, Discover Range - Neville went above and beyond, Young Services Club, and Mercy Care Centre,” Melissa said.
She hopes the Christmas Day Luncheon will once again become an annual event.
To book a place or transport, contact Vinnies Store, Hilltops Community Hub or email youngchristmaslunch@gmail.com
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