Volunteers make Christmas Lunch in the Park a hit

Mission Australia’s 35th Christmas Lunch in the Park 2010 was a huge success thanks to the efforts of generous volunteers who gave hundreds of guests a reason to celebrate.

For the volunteers from BHP Billiton, Bankwest, the United Community Credit Union and the wider community, the day began long before guests at East Perth’s Wellington Square Park were served turkey rolls, glazed ham and Christmas pudding.

Volunteers began wrapping gifts and sorting supplies many weeks before the event to ensure that every guest received a Christmas present on the day. Closer to the date they set up the tables and giant marquee, which provided much-needed shelter from the 40-degree heat.

Our volunteers also decorated the 4.5 metre Tree of Hope with garlands, tinsel, balloons, bows, baubles and cards that guests wrote their Christmas wishes on.

Apart from the festive food and companionship, Christmas Lunch in the Park guests also enjoyed performances by the Perth Christian Choir and singers Jay Weston and Simon Loughton.

The Federal Member for Swan, Steve Irons, joined Santa as he peddled around the park handing out gifts to children. A bouncy castle, circus workshop, face painting and balloon-sculpting sessions kept kids busy throughout the day.

Mission Australia would like to sincerely thank all of the remarkable volunteers who so generously gave their time and skills to make Christmas Day brighter for so many.

A big thanks also to the businesses who so kindly supported the event with monetary and in-kind donations. Major sponsors included BHP Billiton, the Government of WA, Lotterywest, the City of Perth, Woodside Energy, Bankwest, United Community Credit Union, The Fogarty Foundation, Perth Airport, Burswood Entertainment Complex and Woolworths.

The West Australian has released a great video report covering the event - click here to view:  http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/video/-/watch/23613499

BHP volunteers help us prepare for Christmas Lunch In The Park

Thirteen Perth volunteers, including BHP employees, Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and local media personalities, have made a good start on the 2,000 gifts that need to be wrapped to distribute at Mission Australia’s 35th Christmas Lunch In The Park.

The volunteers folded and taped paper and curled ribbons in the Old Gasworks Building in Perth on Monday afternoon. Other generous people will work throughout this week to complete the wrapping in time for the iconic Christmas Day celebration.

After 35 years, Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch In The Park is something of a Perth institution. Held at Wellington Square Park, East Perth, it provides disadvantaged and isolated members of the community with companionship and a place to celebrate the festive season.

BHP volunteers Neil Blom (pictured with Mission Australia’s WA Events and Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Wilson), Belinda Truman, Rebecca Samulski, Viet Nguyen, Gemma Kinslow and Jodee Anderson were among those who rolled up their sleeves to wrap presents for Mission Australia on Monday.

You can view our wonderful gift-wrapping volunteers in action at the following link:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/video...

Mission Australia now has plenty of gifts to give to children on Christmas Day but is still keen to receive donated gifts that are suitable for adults. Toiletries, towels, sunglasses or backpacks would be most welcome.

If you would like to donate gifts for Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch in the Park 2010 please call (08) 9225 0400 or visit www.missionpromotion.com/clip