| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Religious leaders and volunteers from the Brimbank Maribyrnong Interfaith Network and the Sunshine Salvation Army served a festive lunch on Christmas day to approximately 80 disadvantaged people in the Melbourne suburb of Sunshine. Volunteers came from the Buddhist, Muslim, and Sikh communities, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Salvation Army, as well as Brimbank Council representatives, including Mayor John Hedditch and Cr Virginia Tachos.
The interfaith effort was the first time such a diverse group of faith-based organisations and governmental bodies partnered together to serve the traditional community Christmas lunch.
Organised in partnership between the Brimbank Maribyrnong Interfaith Network and The Salvation Army Sunshine Corp, the festive Christmas meal included traditional roast meats, various salads and side dishes, and desserts. Between the main course and dessert, Christmas gifts were distributed to all the children present.
Glenn Steere, a volunteer from the Church said, “It was amazing to see the community join together so effectively to help those in need. This event was a great promotion of interfaith harmony and understanding.”
The Senior Abbot of the Quang Minh Buddhist Temple in Braybrook, the Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan observed, “Christmas creates a festive atmosphere, but not everyone has the opportunity to feast together with their families. We don’t want anyone to miss out.”
Lieutenant Colin Reynolds, Corps Officer at Sunshine Corps added, “Many religious leaders talk about faith, peace and harmony during the Christmas season. Well this year we are putting those words into action!”