Launceston City Community Christmas 2023 Volunteers needed to bring Christmas cheer

WHEN: 10.30AM Tuesday, September 26, 2023

LOCATION: Drysdale Building - Unit 1/93 Paterson St Launceston

WHAT: Launch of the Launceston City Community Christmas 2023

WHO: Organising committee and friends of the Launceston City Community Christmas lunch

Volunteers are needed to help with the IGA Launceston City Community Christmas lunch, with organisers expecting to see an increase in demand this year as Tasmanians battle the rising cost of living.

The IGA Launceston City Community Christmas is a city-wide Christmas lunch for anyone in our community looking for some community spirit and support on Christmas day.

The event is hosted by St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania (Vinnies), Launceston City Mission, The Launceston Benevolent Society, CatholicCare and The Salvation Army Launceston, and offers families and individuals the opportunity to connect, provide mutual encouragement and build community during a very special time of the year. 

This year the event will again be held at the Door of Hope Centre in South Launceston while the Albert Hall is under renovation.

CEO of Vinnies, Heather Kent, said that from the very beginning Vinnies has worked with those most vulnerable and powerless in society and The Launceston City Community Christmas luncheon has become a symbol for our Launceston community to demonstrate love and concern for others at this sacred of seasons.

“All of the organisations involved are experiencing an increase in demand for their services and we are expecting this event to be no different, so we need volunteers to help make the day a success,” Ms Kent said.

For 2023, the organising committee has once again planned a delicious Christmas buffet for everyone, thanks to major sponsor IGA providing the food, with around 380 people expected to attend on the day.

There will be approximately 150 take away Christmas lunch packs distributed to members of the homeless community in other locations throughout the city, ensuring that no one goes without a good meal on Christmas day.

Mayor of Launceston Matthew Garwood will be taking on his usual MC role and singing Christmas songs, joined by other musicians, and there will be activities for the children including a visit from Santa.

CatholicCare Tasmania CEO Julia Mangan said, “CatholicCare is delighted to be part of this important annual event. Christmas is a time to be spent surrounded by family and friends, but unfortunately many people in our community experience sorrow and loneliness at Christmas. The Launceston City Community Christmas event offers hope and friendship for those who face Christmas alone and allows people to enjoy a meal together and celebrate the festive season with others. I would like to thank those involved in making this event possible: it is an example of the importance of caring for others, which is a cornerstone of the Christian faith.”

Anita Reeve from The Salvation Army said, “The Salvation Army feels so privileged to play a part in organising this wonderful event.  To see the joy and laughter on the day for all those who attend or who volunteer, warms the heart, and makes Christmas day each year so special.  A huge thank you to all who give of both their time and resources, to ensure this event continues to be a lunch where our community can come together on this special day of the year. "

City Mission CEO Stephen Brown said, “City Mission is excited and grateful to be able to unite with volunteers in the greater Launceston area, together with other community service organisations, philanthropists, local and national businesses, as well as the Launceston City Council to create the 2023 Launceston Community Christmas event. This combined community initiative, now operating over many years, brings joy and blessing to so many in our community who enjoy the meal, presents and festivities. Our former and current Mayor have been tremendous supporters of this event, so it really stands as an occasion where our civic leaders demonstrate their personal care for others. At the Mission we pray it will be another tremendous celebration of sharing together what we have in this community.”

Kate Ross, the Manager of The Launceston Benevolent Society said, “the Community Christmas lunch is something more than sustenance, it’s an invitation to friendship, and improves mental health. In these moments of togetherness, we unwrap the gift of connection, ensuring no one feels alone during the festive season.”

The event would not be possible, of course, without our major sponsor IGA or without ongoing support from the City of Launceston. The donations and support from other sponsors and members of the community and the tireless support from our volunteers, all ensure this wonderful event can continue to take place.

Those in our community that would like to attend, or volunteer are welcome to register through the event website at www.launcestoncommunitychristmas.com.au or contact one of the agencies involved.