Christmas Day is a joyous occasion, but can also be one of loneliness and despair for many. This festive season, through sponsorship, donations and collaboration with the local city council, the "Joondalup Christmas Lunch" provided food and entertainment for the homeless and lonely.
Anouck Van Dyck, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, started as a volunteer, and became a project manager throughout her time working the event. Miss Van Dyck oversaw the planning and coordination of the event where six entertainment acts, 109 volunteers and 478 guests came together.
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- Joondalup Christmas Lunch, December 2019, Perth Australia.
- Joondalup Christmas Lunch, December 2019, Perth Australia.
- Joondalup Christmas Lunch, December 2019, Perth Australia.
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With assistance needed to set up and stow away this large event on Christmas Eve and day, Anouck called the Church mission office for help. The committee was delighted to see a dozen missionaries from the Church arrive to help with the heavy lifting, assembling and truck loading.
"Our event aims to capture those who, for whatever reason, may be alone or in financial hardship at Christmas. We provide a full traditional Christmas luncheon on beautifully decorated tables, live entertainment and fellowship set amongst a festive atmosphere to ensure everyone feels loved and appreciated," Miss Van Dyck said.
Miss Van Dyck said she was in awe at the dedication and support shown by the committee members, local businesses and community volunteers. “We have 109 local volunteers take time out from their own celebrations to provide entertainment, usher guests, serve food or provide fellowship by hosting tables of guests - it really is a display of a community pulling together to spread joy," Van Dyck said.
Missionaries and members were able to shatter some stereotypes made about Church members and their beliefs while helping load and unload material for the event.
One volunteer said, "I've always been wary when I have seen these guys around my street, but now I see they are just like my kids - only without the complaining!"
Although catering orders are submitted far in advance, prayer is another tool the coordinating team uses when deciding how much food to order, as walk-ins are welcomed, and the goal is for everyone to be adequately fed. As guests feast on second helpings and are provided with take home containers, the coordinating team saw their community was taken care of as they celebrated the Saviour’s birthday.
One can find more information about the event at www.joondalupchristmaslunch.com
