A note to say, “Thanks for caring Bendigo”

WHAT a wonderful city Bendigo is. When a group of people put out a last-minute call for help to ensure a community Christmas lunch could be held at the Town Hall, we never expected the response we got.Extraordinary cash donations came in quickly, warm and generous people offered their time and others offered to help in any way they could. One elderly woman made the trip in to the Bendigo Addy to donate 125 Christmas serviettes, anonymously – a beautiful gesture of which many others could be likened to.This year’s community Christmas lunch did not happen because of the efforts of one or two people, it came together because this fabulous community pulled together. The original committee worked behind the scenes quickly to ensure there would be food, drinks and gifts.We thank Jayd Kitt from Sandhurst Venue Management, Brien Baxter from Foodbank Victoria, Sharon Crimmins and Josie from the Salvation Army and Kath from Uniting Care Bendigo for making that happen. Paul Johns from the YMCA did a super job pulling together activities for the children.The Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre came on board and took control of registering guests and volunteers – and we thank the hard-working team including Helen Yorston and David Wright for their efforts.We also thank The City of Greater Bendigo’s Margaret Hanson, Margaret from the Town Hall and Di Thewlis. Combined, the efforts of everyone on the committee were sensational.The Bendigo Bus Company supplied a bus and driver for the day, Peter Sheahan provided musical entertainment and to Santa and Mrs Claus, we say a huge thank you for coming along at the last minute.Generous donations were made by: City of Greater Bendigo, CVGT Australia, JL King and Co, Hazeldene’s, PFD Food Services, Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst, Bendigo Rotary, Darryn Mawby and Associates, Strategem, Centre State Asphalting, Strathfieldsaye Lions Club, the staff of the Loddon Mallee office of the Department of Education, DCK Real Estate, Inner Wheel Club of Bendigo, Bendigo Outlaw Bootscooters club, Lions Club of Maiden Gully, Lions Club of Bendigo, Ad Infinitem Promotions, Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church craft group, Sandhurst Cleaning Supplies, North State Security, Provincial Home Living, Epicentre, Bendigo Party Hire and many, many individuals who made cash and gift donations. We can’t thank you enough. But our biggest thanks goes to the many volunteers who helped in the lead up and on the day. It was because of your efforts that the community Christmas lunch was so successful.To each and every one of you, we say thank you for doing all that you did – which was so very much. There is no way we can thank you all individually, so please see this as our thanks to you – an amazing group of people with the warmest, kindest hearts.It’s not an easy task co-ordinating so many volunteers and such a massive event in a short time, but every one of you recognised that and did whatever you could to help. You made the day happen. You brought tears to our eyes.Thank you, Bendigo. Tracey Wolsley and Nicole Ferrie