Nambour’s annual Christmas Day Community Lunch organisers are expecting to see a record attendance this year. 

The Nambour Community Centre event is open to everyone who would like a meal and community warmth on a day that can be tough for some. 

Sponsored by local business Entag, the event aims to extend an invitation for people to have lunch together. 

Entag owners Kris and Charlotte Furmston coordinate the event and love being part of creating a memorable experience for people on Christmas day. 

“It’s important for us to make people feel valued and have something nice to look forward to on a day that can be particularly lonely for members of our community,” said Charlotte.

“Christmas can be overwhelming for everyone, so we’re hoping to make that a little easier.

“We’ve been involved for a number of years and been so overwhelmed by the generosity of the incredible volunteers that want to help out in making this day special for everyone.” 

“There are a lot of special people out there, who want to help and give back. It’s a great opportunity to make people smile and make a difference”. 

With over 30 volunteers involved, Charlotte hopes that there will be a great turn-out for the event. 

The lunch is overseen by Suncoast Care, a local Sunshine Coast charity, which runs several initiatives over Christmas. The charity is on mission to support those feeling the economic pressures particularly. 

Karen Gullo, Operations Manager of Suncoast Care is passionate about the role the organisation plays within the community and its ability to give hope when it is most needed. 

“Recent research from Foodbank Australia has revealed that close to one in four Australians have experienced severe food insecurity in the past 12 months,” Karen said. 

“This means that many have had to skip meals or go the whole day without food. Our heart with Suncoast Care is to meet people in their place of need.” 

“Hope Hampers”, “Daily Bread” and “Christmas Dinner”

Suncoast Care also runs “Hope Hampers”, “Daily Bread” and “Christmas Dinner” in addition to the “Christmas Day Community Lunch”. 

The “Christmas Day Community Lunch” will be held at Nambour Community Centre, 2 Shearer Street on December 25 from noon–2pm. You can volunteer or RSVP via www.suncoastchristiancare.com.au/upcomingevents or email the Daily Bread team at dailybread@suncoast.org.au. The soup kitchen arm of the charity – Daily Bread, is also running a Christmas Dinner Wednesday December 20 at its Nambour location which is open to all who’d like a hot meal and some connection.