Volunteers spread some joy

FORGET cooking for the extended family, feeding a table of more than 250 hungry guests had to be one of the biggest challenges this Christmas.Yet it’s a task organisers of the Bendigo Community Christmas Luncheon took not only in their stride but with gusto yesterday.More than 85 volunteers pitched in to help prepare and serve hot lunches to those in the community alone on Christmas Day, or those struggling for whatever reason to put on their own Christmas spread.Co-organiser Steve Emonson said the event could not have been achieved without the assistance and support of local businesses and church groups.Costed at nearly $20,000, the event set organisers back just $4500 because of donated goods and time.Mr Emonson said it was important to give back and share on Christmas Day.Head chef Rob Holden from Goldfields Catering said his decision to become involved in the community lunch was simple.“I love it . . . the first year I did it, for the whole 12 months after I just thought about it, because it just gives you that nice warm fuzzy feeling inside,” he said.Mr Holden said two days of preparation went into preparing meals for up to 300 people.“We have a medley of roasts - beef pork and chicken, with roast potatoes and pumpkin, cauliflower, mixed vegetables, and for desert we’re having plum pudding with brandy custard, pavlova and fruit salad,” he said.Mr Holden said 60kg of potatoes, 80kg of different meats, 30 cauliflowers and 250 plum puddings complete with 10 litres of brandy custard filled everybody up.Volunteer Sharon Peters said that with family interstate, donating her afternoon was an easy decision. “It’s lovely . . . it’s nice to be with others,” she said.Sitting beside Sharon during lunch, Judy Archer said she wanted to enjoy a meal with other members of the community.“I wouldn’t have anybody else to share the day with, so I came here.“A friend recommended this to me . . . and the lunch is very nice,” she said.Joining in the festivities, City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Kevin Gibbons said the sit-down lunch was a fantastic opportunity for Bendigonians to celebrate Christmas together.“I think it’s absolutely fantastic that they do this. It makes you think about the real meaning of Christmas, with family and friends.”