By Deanne Jeffers
EACH year Christmas for Those Alone (CFTA) provides a free lunch on Christmas Day to anybody who finds themselves alone or unable to share a Christmas meal with friends or family.
Christmas saw around 250 guests at the community lunch, which is held at the McIntosh Centre. CFTA president Steve Neff says this was fewer people than expected but believes this is a good thing and may indicate that many people had someone to share Christmas with.
“It was a great day where everyone enjoyed themselves. There was no transport this year, but we put that investment back into the food – guests enjoyed a wonderful traditional Christmas lunch with roast meats, salads and vegetables.
“The committee had to do 12 months’ work in three months. We had around 50 volunteers and we are so grateful to those volunteers who give up Christmas to support others. This year we had volunteers from Melbourne, one from Cobram, and a lady from Beechworth.
“Council was terrific, it has always been really supportive of Christmas for Those Alone,” said Steve.
Retired school principal Geoff Newman was a first-time volunteer who plans on returning to help next Christmas. He said CFTA, “Provides people with the opportunity to give back to community and do something to help those who are not as fortunate as others at this special time of year.”
Covid meant that many who planned to attend were unable. To ensure no one missed out, committee members delivered Christmas lunches to those people, many of whom were senior and alone.
This also meant that nothing went to waste with all food and soft drinks being distributed to volunteers and guests.
After 15 years, Steve is stepping down from CFTA, starting with the organisation as Santa several years ago. CFTA are seeking new committee members. Anyone interested in getting involved should email CFTA@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.
