Christmas lunch brings cheer to Brisbane’s homeless

One of Brisbane’s leading homeless services, Roma House, warmed up winter this week by hosting a special Christmas in July community lunch.

Around 80 guests, including residents, staff, other local community service workers, the State Member for Brisbane Central, Grace Grace MP, and Brisbane City Councillor for Central, David Hinchliffe, gathered together on Tuesday to enjoy festive food and great company.

A traditional Christmas lunch - complete with turkey, ham, roast vegetables with gravy and topped off by pudding and custard and trifle - was served by Mission Australia staff and volunteers from Brisbane’s corporate and donor community.

Even Santa made an off-season appearance, handing out beautiful handmade scarves, beanies, quilts and blankets, kindly donated by Knitting for Brisbane’s Needy, to residents. Some even took the opportunity to have a photo snapped with the big man.

Guests were entertained by musical performances by staff and residents. They also heard a residents’ presentation about Roma House’s therapeutic kitchen program, The House of Plenty, which an intentional therapeutic that connects and empowers residents through cooking and sharing meals.

Christmas in July lunch guests also enjoyed a video about the innovative Adventure Based Therapy program that also operates out of the Spring Hill site – you can learn more about it and link to the video from this page.

“This is the third consecutive year we’ve held a Christmas in July lunch,” said Operations Manager Avryl Gration. “It provides the residents with something to look forward to, and nice memories to call on during the cold winter months – and it provides our residents with a real feeling of home and belonging.”

Channel 10 News in Brisbane also made it along to Christmas in July at Roma House. You can watch their coverage of this inspirational event here.

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 and Woolworths.

Spare a thought for the “hidden homeless” this Christmas

Of the 105,000 people who are homeless every night in Australia, about a quarter are families with children.

With this statistic, staff attending last week’s Westpac Christmas party in Sydney were reminded that not everyone had safe and secure homes to return to that night.

Before the end-of-year festivities, Westpac’s Head of Stakeholder Communications Sean Glover joined Mission Australia Community Services Executive Leader Lincoln Hopper and Missionbeat Manager Daniel Petsalis on stage to provide an insight into family homelessness.

The 20-minute discussion to raise awareness about this “hidden homelessness” came a week after Westpac and Mission Australia launched a partnership to combat family homelessness.

“What makes it [family homelessness] worse is that eight out of 10 families can’t be helped and that tears the fabric of Australia apart,” Mr Hopper said. “It’s a horrible problem that we have to solve and thankfully we are starting to make inroads into that.”

Mr Hopper said a lack of affordable housing was a central cause of family homelessness, but the loss of a job, a financial setback, divorce and mental health problems contributed.

“If you don’t have a job and you’re homeless it’s awfully difficult to find another one. Your kids won’t be going to school, and it’s going to be difficult to do anything but try to search for somewhere to live. That repeated day in and day out takes people into a spiral,” he said.

“People start to rely on the family and friends network… but after a couple of months you’re going to wear out your welcome.”

Mr Petsalis recalled a homeless mother and five children who “outwore their welcome” with family a few days before Christmas 2009: “I made the trip out to pick up her and her five kids. And being a dad of four kids of similar age and knowing this Christmas these kids were not going to be spending it at home, and there was going to be 12,000 kids Santa wouldn’t find, it was sad to see…”

Fortunately, Mission Australia placed the family in accommodation before Christmas and linked them to support services. “It was just by that contact with us that we were able to start that ball rolling, because they were going to hit the streets the next day,” Mr Petsalis said.

Westpac staff were moved to tears when Leslie Butt, Mission Australia Operations Manager Adult Accommodation and Support, shared a poignant story about a young family she assisted at Fairfax House – an accommodation service in Sydney’s west for families in crisis.

“I know how heartbreaking it is to see anyone that’s homeless, but if you’ve ever experienced seeing a homeless child, a homeless family and not be touched by that… Everybody wants to have good things for their families.

For the past eight months, the family had been living in temporary housing and in their car, so they were relieved that a two-bedroom unit was available to them:

“The car had broken down and wasn’t on the road so they had to come in by train and all their belongings were in plastic bags,” Lesley recalled. “And I remember this little girl, she would probably only be about four, came up the pathway dragging her little bag and said ‘Can I stay here?’

“I said ‘Of course darling you can stay, and she was so happy. It stuck in my mind that a little four-year-old girl was asking to stay with her belongings in a rubbish bag.

You can help Mission Australia to overcome family homelessness by supporting our Christmas Appeal.

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

AGL volunteers lend a hand at MAC Christmas party

Clients of the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) in Surry Hills have enjoyed a Christmas party complete with a traditional hot lunch and karaoke thanks to volunteers from AGL.

Thirteen volunteers from AGL organised and served food, welcomed guests and entertained the crowd with a carol. One really got into the spirit by donning a red suit and beard to hand out lollies and offer photos with Santa.

This is the eighth year that AGL has funded, organised and staffed the MAC Client Christmas Party.

After being welcomed by Mission Australia Chief Operating Officer, Leisa Hart, and joining in prayer with Meffan Kaiwai, MAC Team Leader, guests tucked into turkey and pudding.

One MAC resident who has turned his life around at centre said that this Christmas would be one to remember for all the right reasons: “Coming here has really picked me up. It’s a special Christmas, and a sober Christmas… The meditation classes here [at the MAC] have been unbelievable and have helped me to change and see the world differently.”

Another guest, who attends the innovative Catalyst Clemente educational program at the MAC, thanked the centre’s staff for their dedication and care: “We couldn’t love it any better!”

The Mission Australia Centre provides crisis accommodation for homeless men and “wrap-around” programs and services for men and women that address issues such as health, literacy, and self-esteem.

Further Reading... 

• Christmas cheer at the Mission Australia Centre - 29 December 2009
• AGL and Mission Australia brighten the day for struggling families  - 16 Dec 2008
• Mission Australia helping families cut energy bills to prevent poverty spiral   - 15 Oct 2008

Woodside Energy volunteers work hard to provide Beds for Christmas

More than 80 generous volunteers from Woodside Energy are getting into the Christmas spirit to perform a 48-hour festive renovation rescue at Mission Australia’s Youth Accommodation and Support Service (YASS) in Perth.

YASS provides crisis accommodation to young people aged 15 to 25, as well as access to counselling, education and support services.

With Woodside Energy’s help, the six bedrooms that provide refuge for young people experiencing tough times will be transformed into modern havens for three young men and three young women, complete with new paintwork and furniture

As part of what has been called the ‘Beds for Christmas’ project, Woodside Energy volunteers will fit new lighting, floor coverings, beds, linen, desks and blinds, all selected by a professional interior decorator.

This year Mission Australia and Woodside Energy celebrate 10 years of working together to help Australians in need. Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall praised the work of Woodside Energy employees, who have raised an amazing $51,000 this year alone through their Christmas Appeal. The staff appeal is managed by Enfield Stybarrow Development Manager Daniel Medd.

“This year marks a decade since Mission Australia and Woodside Energy began working together to help Australians in need. In this time, Woodside employees have raised a staggering $300,000 and given many hours of their time in volunteer work,” Mr Hall said.

“It’s a wonderful relationship that demonstrates the great good that can be achieved in the community when corporate Australia lends its support to such a worthy cause.”

The hardworking Woodside Energy volunteers will complete the renovation this afternoon – you can read about the finished product tomorrow.

Get behind MA with $1 per click

Bayer is offering Mission Australia a share in $40,000 through an interactive Christmas card, where employees and the general public can pledge their support to Mission Australia this festive season.

For every person who visits the website, Bayer will donate $1 on their behalf towards helping those in need.

Click though now to guarantee another dollar toward our services this Christmas: www.bayerchristmascard.com

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

Read about a special Christmas for country kids in the Weekly

The December issue of The Australian Women's Weekly contains a powerful feature on how Mission Australia helped a young single mum and her five kids transform their lives.

The article tells the story of Cindy Blundell, 28, a single mum of five young children from the south-western NSW town of Harden. Cindy came into Mission Australia's contact through our Brighter Futures program - which we provide in partnership with the NSW Government - several years ago. At the time Cindy was a victim of domestic violence and her family life was in upheaval.

Through Brighter Futures Cindy was able to get her life back on track - so much so she no longer needs our help.

The Australian Women's Weekly were so moved by Cindy's story they visited Harden in October and put on a massive pre-Christmas lunch for her, her five kids, and the town's State Emergency Service volunteers - a group that Cindy now plays a pivotal role with.

The December issue of The Australian Women's Weekly is in stores now.

Media Release: Job-a-thon a huge success for Mission Australia

Mission Australia’s Beaudesert and Woodridge Employment Solutions centres in Queensland have successfully reached their goal of placing 500 jobseekers in long-term employment or training prior to Christmas 2009.

The final figures show more than 550 jobseekers benefited from the initiative which started in August 2009.

Mission Australia’s Employment Solutions helps jobseekers source quality jobs that match their capabilities and long-term goals.

The Job-A-Thon challenge was the brainchild of Mission Australia's Business Manager for Beaudesert and Woodridge, Bob Kennard, who said it was well received by clients and local employers alike.

“We received great support from local businesses – which helped make this initiative so successful,” said Bob.

“It was encouraging to know local employers and the local community were behind us 100 per cent. Our staff and clients are very grateful for this support.”

At the completion of the Job-A-Thon (24 December 2009), Mission Australia had successfully placed more than 320 jobseekers in training and more than 220 in long-term employment in the Beaudesert and Woodridge regions.

“We’re thrilled with the outcome of our Job-A-Thon, and are definitely looking to make it an annual event,” Bob said.

Mission Australia provides employment support through 93 offices around the country.

Numbers swell for one of Perth's most loved community events

Wellington Square Park in East Perth was pulsing with over 1,200 Mission Australia guests attending our annual Christmas Lunch in the Park (CLIP) on Christmas Day, bringing some Christmas cheer to Perth locals seeking a place to celebrate the festive season.

Despite temperatures of up to 35 degrees, guests had a fantastic time thanks to the generous efforts of the 400 men and women who volunteered their time on the day and in the months leading up to the big event.

Lunch was hosted by Steve Irons, Federal Member for Swan, and Perth sports presenter Adrian Barich, with entertainment provided by the Perth Christian Choir and Perth opera singing duo Katherine and Justin Freind.

Perth has been booming with new people settling from interstate and overseas, many of whom don't have established networks or family to celebrate Christmas day with. One young family attended the lunch for the first time as they had no extended family in Australia after moving here from the UK. In true spirit of the day, the family found their friendly table hosts were also from the UK and made plans to catch up again.

CLIP is now one of Perth's major annual community events and a true demonstration of social inclusion – guests ranged from single people, couples and families, some who had recently arrived in the country, and others who may be lonely, struggling financially or homeless.

Christmas cheer at the Mission Australia Centre

Thanks to the spectacular efforts of AGL volunteers, the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) celebrated Christmas this year with a wonderful gourmet lunch.

Mission Australia CEO, Toby Hall, and AGL CEO, Michael Fraser, helped volunteers serve the Christmas lunch last week and spent time chatting with many of the homeless men and women who have accessed the MAC throughout 2009.

"Never a dull moment," said Astra Howard MAC Program Coordinator. "Our guests had a fantastic time thanks to all the hard work of event organisers and talented entertainers: Frederick Hama, Chris Barwick, Phil Nunn and Meffan Kawai."

One client said: “I had a great time at the MAC Christmas party enjoying a lovely Christmas lunch and trivia quiz. Our table came second - the winners were googling on a blackberry! Afterwards , various members of the MAC creative classes had a lot of fun singing and dancing at the karaoke machine for a couple of hours. I'm not a singer, but I had a go at 'House of the Rising Sun'.”

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AGL partnered with Mission Australia in 2003 with the provision of energy audits for the refurbishment of the Mission Australia Centre. The partnership has since grown substantially.

Through AGL’s volunteering program, employees have provided tremendous support to Mission Australia’s homeless services in Sydney and Adelaide for the past four years.

In late 2006, the partnership reached a new strategic high with a significant financial contribution from the AGL Foundation of over $750,000. The funds are being used to make a long-term difference to homelessness and climate change.

The support from AGL reflects its broader commitment to energy efficiency in the community, particularly for Australia’s most vulnerable people.

Further Reading...

• AGL and Mission Australia brighten the day for struggling families - 16 Dec 2008
• Mission Australia helping families cut energy bills to prevent poverty spiral - 15 Oct 2008
  

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Mission Australia set to celebrate Christmas Day around the country

Thousands of Australians in need will enjoy a Christmas lunch and join in the spirit of the season at Mission Australia services and events across the country on Christmas Day.

Chief among them is Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch in the Park (CLIP) – an event for around 2,000 disadvantaged and lonely individuals and families in Perth, now being held for the 34th consecutive year.

Run with the help of more than 400 volunteers and generous financial and in-kind donations for individuals and businesses, CLIP is one of Australia’s biggest Christmas Day gatherings.

Every guest at CLIP will enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch, entertainment throughout the day and a gift.

Volunteers greet guests as they arrive, host tables and help Santa distribute the donated gifts.

In Brisbane, Mission Australia’s Café One on Wickham will serve lunch to more than 100 homeless and disadvantaged people in the city’s centre this Christmas Day.

Café One on Wickham provides low cost meals and coffee – as well as a range of individual support services – to individuals and families in need. The café provides a sense of belonging and connection to others which is particularly important at Christmas time.

Mission Australia opened Café One to provide Christmas Day lunch for the first time last year and such was the demand it has decided to continue the tradition in 2009.

Every attendee will receive a Christmas lunch and receive a gift kindly donated by the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Community Benefit Fund and various other organisations.

Christmas is one of the toughest times of the year for the people Mission Australia helps simply for the reason that at its heart it is a celebration of love, family and joy.

For our clients – many of whom have no family or are disconnected from them – it’s a period when that isolation and loneliness is emphasised like no other time.

However, thanks to the generosity of Mission Australia’s donors and corporate partners, our clients – along with many other thousands of Australians doing it tough – will now be able to join in the Christmas spirit.

Last minute Christmas gift ideas from Mission Australia!

With less than a few shopping days left until Christmas, Mission Australia has a range of gift ideas to help people find the right present while also sharing the festive spirit with individuals and families doing it tough.

The virtual Christmas Tree – Australia’s first 'virtual charity tree' is now online at the charity’s website. The interactive design allows visitors to choose from a range of Christmas eGifts ranging from providing a Christmas dinner to a disadvantaged family, to phone cards for homeless people.

The virtual Christmas Tree has additional features such as Christmas card features and the ability to forward your eGift ‘wishlist’ to your friends.

Ben O’Donoghue’s Outdoor cookbook – Well known Australian celebrity chef and author, Ben O’Donoghue has offered his support to Mission Australia by making his hugely successful cookbook OUTDOOR available for purchase through the Mission Australia website for a discounted price of $25 – with all proceeds going to support Mission Australia programs.

As an added incentive, Mission Australia and Ben are offering one lucky person who purchases a book through the website, the chance to win an Australia Day barbecue in their own backyard for 10 people – cooked and catered for by Ben himself – along with two cases of wine from Penfolds and their very own Barbecues Galore barbecue.

Christmas cards and hampers – A donation will be offered to Mission Australia for greeting card purchases through CharityGreetingCards.com.au and hampers purchased through CharityHampers.com.au

Mission Australia’s Christmas Appeal - This year’s Christmas appeal focuses on child poverty. Mission Australia helps disadvantaged children in a range of ways including by providing accommodation and offering early intervention support – programs that tackle problems among kids early in their lives.

According to Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall:

“Giving donations as gifts to friends helps organisations like Mission Australia transform lives – through the holiday season and beyond.

“Mission Australia thanks Australians for their support in 2009, and wishes all its donors and supporters a safe and Merry Christmas.”

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Media contact: Sally Popplestone
P: 0415 547 626 or 02 9217 1036
E: popplestones@missionaustralia.com.au

Early Christmas cheer for Sydney's homeless community

Christmas will arrive a little earlier for around 100 homeless and disadvantaged Sydneysiders this year when AGL throws its annual Christmas lunch at the Mission Australia Centre today.

Volunteers from AGL – including CEO, Michael Fraser – will put on a well-deserved Christmas lunch with all the trimmings for those doing it tough living in Sydney’s inner city. From catering through to gifts, and even providing the entertainment, AGL volunteers will unleash their Christmas cheer to celebrate the festive season.

With the event now in its seventh year Michael Fraser said AGL and its staff were committed to making a difference in disadvantaged communities using a combination of their expertise and enthusiasm.

“It’s been a tough year but none more so for the individuals who’ll be sharing this Christmas event with us. It’s one of the high points of our year to spend time at the Mission Australia Centre and it brings home the real meaning of Christmas to everyone involved,” he said.

“AGL is a close partner of Mission Australia’s and we sincerely welcome the commitment and contribution of its staff,” said Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall.

“This is a great example of the way corporates can help strengthen communities.”

The first service of its kind built in Australia, the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) moves beyond traditional crisis accommodation to meet the needs of a new generation of homeless people.

Rather than the short-term and 'one-size fits all' approach often associated with crisis shelters, the MAC specialises its care, encourages independent living, allows clients stays of up to three months and offers a range of services (eg: dental, GP, education, computer skills, counselling, employment) to help people back on their feet long-term.

Jingle Bells in a Virtual World!

Are you a serial last-minute Christmas shopper? Do you hear the cry - “only five weeks till Christmas,” and say to yourself: “that’s heaps of time”? If you answered yes to both these questions then store the links below somewhere safe – you just might need them!

The virtual Christmas tree
Mission Australia has turned the concept of a charity tree on its head and created Australia’s first 'virtual charity tree' on our website. The interactive design allows visitors to the tree to choose from a range of Christmas eGifts by clicking on one of the six themed gift tags.

The eGifts range from a Christmas dinner for a family doing it tough, to phone cards for the homeless to help them get in touch with family. Once you have selected your eGift tags, you can choose to send a link to your friends asking them to donate on your behalf. You also have the option to add eGifts to your shopping cart and deliver those gifts via email to family and friends. For those people who prefer to print their card, you can download and print your own version of each tag, filling in just your purchase information.

Christmas Appeal
This year’s Christmas Appeal theme is focused on child poverty. Right now, nearly half a million Australian children are living in poverty. Without help, these children will face challenges early in their life that may prevent them from reaching their full potential.

The appeal explains how Mission Australia helps children in this situation by providing their family with access to stable accommodation and then working with parents to help them build a strong foundation for their children's development. This includes early learning support to help children prepare for a successful transition into school.

Kids toys
In the lead up to Christmas, five per cent of all sales of toys from FishPond will be donated to Mission Australia.

Visitors to the site are also encouraged to purchase toys that can be given as Christmas presents to our clients. Fishpond will store these toys ready for distribution just before Christmas day.

The cookbook…
At the very special price of $25, the latest cookbook by Ben O’Donoghue, Ben’s Barbecue, is another perfect gift for those friends and family who enjoy cooking (or who need a helping hand).

Not only does Mission Australia receive $10 for every book purchased through the website, every person who purchases BEN'S BARBECUE will go in the draw to win an Australia Day BBQ for 10 people, catered for by Ben O'Donoghue. The prize also includes two cases of wine from Penfolds and you get to keep the barbeque!

But wait, there’s more…
Charity Greeting cards also support Mission Australia by giving us 40 cents from every card sold while Charity Hampers also provide monetary payment to us on a per hamper basis.

Mission Australia launches Christmas Lunch in the Park 2009

Mission Australia will host the 34th Annual Christmas Lunch in the Park in Perth again this year. While for many Australians Christmas is a time of festivity, many less fortunate families and individuals with fewer resources may find the season isolating and lonely.

Mission Australia - with over 400 generous volunteers - are hosting Christmas Lunch in the Park again in 2009 to provide these families and individuals a place to enjoy a Christmas Lunch and celebrate the occasion with the wider community.

In previous years we have had up to 2,000 guests and expect to attract similar numbers this year.

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The new Christmas Lunch in the Park 2009 website has been launched, where you can find more information on the event or if you wish to contribute to its success.

Our generous contributors in the past have been able to help by donating presents or by making a direct donation to the event. 

For more information visit www.missionpromotion.com/clip/

Due to an overwhelming response from the public we no longer require volunteers for Christmas Lunch in the Park 2009. 

Mission Australia thanks all enquirers for their generosity.