Firefighters bring Alice Christmas cheer

A CHANCE kitchen fire in her house on Christmas day saved a 95-year-old woman from spending Christmas alone.Alice Phillips, who has lived in Flora Hill for the past 56 years, had planned to spend Christmas alone as she has no family in Bendigo.But while preparing her Christmas lunch at her home about 11am, she mistakenly left her toaster on the stove, resulting in a fire.“I thought I had it under control with a bucket of water, but when it started up again I thought I better call for help,” she said.Mrs Phillips dialled 000 and was connected with firefighters from the CFA in Bendigo, who each year spend Christmas with their families while on call at the station.Senior station officer Rob Bryans said the crews raced to Mrs Phillips’ aid and had the kitchen fire under control within minutes. But the job of putting out fires then progressed to another gesture from the fire crew.“We couldn’t let her spend Christmas alone,” Mr Bryans, who invited Mrs Phillips to join their families for Christmas lunch, said.Mrs Phillips accepted their offer and expressed her deepest gratitude to the firefighters and their families.Hundreds of Bendigo residents also shared in the joys of Christmas during community lunches, including a Town Hall feast yesterday.Now in its fourth year, the event attracted about 250 guests. The free lunch was one of two community lunches in Bendigo – the other was at Mundy Street Salvation Army. The lunches attracted people from all walks of life, including international students, elderly, the needy, professionals, tradespeople and people who live alone. Organiser Jason Harrison said the main attraction of the event was its festive tone and inclusiveness. More than 120 volunteers assisted and more than 150 presents were handed out to children.