The Samaritans Foundation is the welfare agency of The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. Click on the logo to the right to visit Samaritans website or read the recent news below.
Over 700 guests attended the 2009 Samaritans Christmas Lunch in the Park, up from 500 the year before, showing that the need is still great among our local community.
Over 200 volunteers rallied to provide lunch to the guests on Christmas Day, many of whom were arriving at 9am to make sure they could get a seat.
The Newcastle Christmas Lunch in the Park is steeped in tradition and is an important day for people in the community who may not be in a position to otherwise celebrate Christmas or those who may not have friends or loved ones to spend the day with.
Kristy Gallacher, Samaritans Christmas Coordinator said, “We never know how many people are going to be turning up. Samaritans had seen an increase in demand for their services across the board over Christmas so luckily we were prepared!”
Formerly an event targeted at the homeless and disadvantaged, the Christmas Lunch is now much more of a whole of community event, another reason for the rise in guest numbers.
Ms Gallacher said, “There are just so many people who find themselves socially isolated around Christmas time, a time where we are bombarded with images that involve good times with family and friends. We create a place where everyone in our community can join together and share in the joy of Christmas.”
The world’s largest coal handling facility, Newcastle’s Port Waratah Coal Services, once again threw their support behind Samaritans to provide the Christmas Lunch in the Park.
Samaritans Chief Executive, Cec Shevels, the Mayor of Newcastle, Mr John Tate, Bishop Brian Farran, welcomed the guests and Bishop Peter Stuart said grace before volunteers delivered a lunch of turkey, ham, salads and Christmas pudding.
A supporter for 10 years, Hugh Gordon, once again treated guests to live music while they ate and chatted with friends and family, and Santa Claus paid a welcome visit, presenting everyone with a special gift.
Samaritans would like to thank all the wonderful volunteers and sponsors who gave so much time, energy and funds to make these events possible.
You can donate to Samaritans online here.
