Media Release: Christmas relief when you need it most

Mission Australia will extend their regular “Monday Munchies” free food service for homeless people and those in need to include Christmas dinner and hampers today.

The dinner is part of a $25,000 Christmas Goodwill and crisis response package funded by the Northern Territory Government to help members of our community at a time when they need it most.

Mission Australia’s NT Operations Manager Community Services, Brad McIver said the special Christmas dinner was a great opportunity for Mission Australia staff and volunteers to share a meal with local people who face significant challenges in their lives.

“As we approach Christmas our thoughts inevitably turn to the people we know and love. But it’s important to also remember the hardships and challenges facing the thousands of disadvantaged Territorians, particularly families, many of whom use Mission Australia services for support and assistance,” Mr McIver said.

“In the fun and excitement of Christmas it's easy - too easy - to forget the real meaning of the season.

“The Christmas dinner and hampers are an important way of giving back – of us extending our friendship and support to people in need – to let them know that they are not alone and share with them the spirit of the season.

“For so many people the reason they attend Monday Munchies and in particular the Christmas Dinner each year is to have a ‘normal’ conversation, with genuine people, based on mutual respect. It is this experience that we look forward to each year when we invite our staff, volunteers, and clients to join together in a pre-Christmas meal.”

Mission Australia has also received kind donations of food and gifts from Palmerston City Council, Minter Ellison, and Nightcliff Shopping Centre.

In recent years Mission Australia has supported between 1200 – 1500 individuals and families across the Territory specifically during the Christmas and New Year period.

The Mission Australia Christmas dinner will start at 5pm this afternoon.

Mission Australia is committed to creating a fairer Australia by standing up for people in need and helping them to access pathways to a better future. Working with government, corporate Australia and the wider community, the organisation is determined to overcome disadvantage across the nation.

“This is an opportunity to give those who are disadvantaged, lonely or isolated a reason to celebrate on Christmas Day,” Mr McIver said.

Media may attend the Christmas dinner tonight at 5pm at 6 Frances Drive, Palmerston

For further information please contact: Janelle Rees on 8941 9169 or 0405 538 448