HOME alone at Christmas?
Then don’t be, with a free festive lunch hosted at the dining hall in St Augustine’s College in Draper Street.
The event, now in its 10th year, will open its doors at 11.30 am on Christmas Day.
Greg T Jones (right), one of the founding members, said the lunch welcomed “men, women, children, families, whoever you are and you’re on your own on Christmas Day”.
“It doesn’t matter, because we will feed you with a lovely turkey and ham lunch with the vegetables and a Christmas pudding to go with it. Now you’ll walk in as a stranger and leave as a friend,” he said.
There is no cost, no preaching and no strings attached. Those in need of transport or interested in volunteering can contact Mr Jones on 0402 020 602.
The initiative began when Mr Jones and the late Brian Edmonds, who previously organised similar events while on the radio in the Blue Mountains, brought the idea to Cairns.
The first lunch was held at the Cairns International Tennis Centre, but the venue was too small. St Augustine’s College later provided its cafeteria, staff and equipment free-of-charge.
The lunch is supported by local sponsors, including Ken Frost Homes, which donated $10,000, as well as Bendigo Bank, Quick Copy, Coles, Woolworths and Cairns Hardware. Desserts are provided by the Cairns Lions Club, including their traditional Christmas cake.
Over the years, the event has seen several memorable visitors.
“We have had politicians come in. Michael Healy is a regular guest … Matt Smith will come along this year as well and the Cairns Taipans will come along with some surprises for the children,” Mr Jones said.
Editor's note: The image in last week's paper to illustrate the free Christmas lunch at St Augustine's College was not that of organiser George T Jones. We apologise to Mr Jones for the error.
