With less than eight weeks until Christmas, Samaritans is calling for donors, supporters and volunteers for this year's Picnic Christmas Lunch in Singleton on Christmas Day.
At this year's guests will collect a hamper, picnic rug, and gifts to enjoy on the lawn area, under the shade of the Singleton showground's established trees on Christmas Day. This concept has been created for Samaritans to deliver Christmas cheer socially as a picnic or under health-order restrictions as an express lunch and gift pick up to keep the community safe.
The Picnic Christmas Lunch is again working in partnership with the Anglican Parish of Singleton under Reverend Michelle Hazel-Jawhary. Several weeks ago, when the event was announced, some parishioners and community members immediately jumped on board to support Samaritans organise the annual Christmas event.
Support for this year's event has been confirmed by event partners BHP, Mt Owen Glendell Operations - Glencore, Yancoal - Mt Thorley Warkworth, BHP, Singleton Diggers, Northern Agricultural Association, Club Singleton, Bloomfield Group Foundation, Thiess, and Singleton Council.
Samaritans, with the community's support, can provide food/beverage hampers, gifts and some Christmas sparkle and cheer to ensure no one needs to experience Christmas alone or go without during the festive season.
Event coordinator Kim-Cherie Davidson said the Picnic Christmas Lunch was extremely fortunate to have the support of local parishioners, some keen returning volunteers, supporters, and sponsors.
"We're so grateful for the generosity of locals jumping in to help with the preparations for the Picnic Christmas Lunch. However, there are still plenty opportunities for individuals, businesses, organisations, and groups to help through monetary donations, in-kind support such as gifts and Christmas food and being a volunteer 24, 24 or 25 December," Ms Davidson said.
"Samaritans Picnic Christmas Lunch is inclusive and organised specifically for people who may not otherwise be able to celebrate Christmas, including the joy and connection of the season. We do this by partnering with local people to make it all happen," said Ms Davidson.
Picnic Christmas Lunch in Singleton will be at the Singleton Showground from 11am to 1pm on Christmas Day.
To be a sponsor, donor, and/or volunteer email kimcherie.davidson@samaritans.org.au or phone 0427 867 969.
