Charities come together for Launceston City Community Christmas 2021

The IGA Launceston City Community Christmas is a city-wide Christmas lunch for anyone in our community looking for some community spirit and support on Christmas day. The event is hosted by the St Vincent de Paul Society (Tas), Launceston City Mission, The Salvation Army Tasmania, Launceston Benevolent Society, and CatholicCare. The event offers families and individuals the opportunity to connect, provide mutual encouragement, and build community during a very special time of the year.

Speaking about the Launceston City Community Christmas, St. Vincent de Paul Society’s CEO, Lara Alexander, said that the Society is proud to support and be part of such an important community event.

“The Launceston City Community Christmas celebrates all that is good about the festive season. The event is also an example of everything Vinnies represents. Christian values and goodwill to all, especially those in need; and above all, making sure everyone in our community – the lonely, the underprivileged, and those who love to celebrate the joy of Christmas – can do so with old and new friends and as a community,” Mrs Alexander said.

“Charles Dickens said it well in A Christmas Carol, when he said, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

“2021 represents the sixth year for the IGA Launceston Community Christmas Luncheon. In 2020, although we had to reduce numbers due to COVID-19, the event was still well attended and all those who attended and volunteered thoroughly enjoyed the day. For 2021, we will have a capacity of 350 seats, with additional take away lunches available on the day.

“Once again, we have planned a delicious Christmas buffet for everyone, with the major sponsor, IGA, providing all the food required for this meal. There will be a wide variety of entertainment, including live music, activities to provide entertainment for children, and a wonderful visit from the Santa.

“The event would not be possible without the major sponsor, IGA, or without ongoing support from the City of Launceston. The donations and support from other sponsors and members of the community and the tireless support from an army of volunteers, ensure this wonderful event continues each year,” Mrs Alexander said.

Speaking about their involvement, Tasmanian Independent Retailers (IGA) stores CEO, Grant Hinchcliffe, said that IGA Tasmania, in conjunction with our supplier network, are very proud to once again be supporting this community initiative which provides some welcome relief and a chance to come together for so many on this special day.”

“This is a fantastic community event which promotes goodwill, the concept of giving and supporting each other within our local communities and we trust that this year’s event will be a great occasion as it was last year.

“We also congratulate the service agencies and the other partners supporting this initiative and encourage other business that can offer assistance and support to do the same,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.

Anyone in our community who would like to attend the Launceston Community Christmas Lunch, or who would like to volunteer to assist on the day, are welcome to register through the event website at: www.launcestoncommunitychristmas.com.au.

_{MEDIA NOTES: The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris, France in 1833 by a 20-year old Italian student, Frederic Ozanam. Today, the Society operates in 153 countries and has over 800,000 members. Australia has over 60,000 members, dedicated to assisting people in need and combating social injustice. The Society started in Tasmania in 1899 when founders established a Conference in Launceston. From humble beginnings, the Society has grown to 25 Conferences within three Regional Councils across Tasmania. Each Conference undertake a variety of good works, the most recognised being the traditional Vincentian home visits and the annual CEO Sleep-out to draw attention to homelessness.}

_{Media contact, Mark Wells: +61 414 015 966 (24-hours)
© St Vincent de Paul Society and MWPA.}