By DANIELLE GALVIN
The annual free Cardinia community Christmas…
THE annual free Cardinia Community Christmas lunch will not go ahead this year, but will be back bigger and better next year.
Volunteer organiser Sue Johns said there were several reasons why the free luncheon would not take place in 2013, but assured it would definitely be on next year.
“Last year, one of the dedicated volunteers passed away three days following one of our finest Christmas Days within years,” she said.
“I felt as there have been quite a lot of years where I have organised everything up until a few weeks prior to Christmas. I must take note of my own health and realise without your health you have nothing.
“Although I express I do not take ownership of this event, there are requirements, processes, legalities that persons who organise these things need to adhere to.”
Next year, the annual Christmas lunch has the support of local businesses and members of the community.
Ms Johns said the lunch for vulnerable people in the shire wasn’t finished and there was plenty more to give.
“As my personal health has been a problem for a couple of years, for this year I needed to take time out for myself as I organise this event beginning very early in the year as it does not take just a few weeks to make this event possible,” she said.
“I would advise people to contact the 4Cs if they require food on Christmas Day and I believe one of my counterparts may be trying with her church to arrange something for Christmas Day.”
Ms Johns said she wished everyone a happy and safe Christmas but she needed another year to get the event back up and running.
She said she had the support of a local business and the community to make sure the event goes ahead next year.
“Next year will be here soon enough and then I will be commencing work on the following Cardinia Community Christmas and no doubt each year following,” she said.
“I would like to thank our Cardinia Shire Council, Ande Rai, O’Connors Meats, Rotary, Pakenham Senior Citizens, Terry’s Discounts, Pakenham Fruit Supply, Ritchies IGA and all of the invaluable volunteers who provide their time to make this event possible, as they have done for years, although this year they will take a break.
“As normal, I will be liasing with all next year in 2014.”
