Mary Mac's has 185 for Christmas dinner

Mary Mac's Place celebrated Christmas last year with just over 185 people at the midday Christmas celebration.

"Many residents from the Peninsula and further afield enjoyed lunch due to the generous donations of local businesses and individuals," said Mary Mac's project coordinator Ms Christine Burge.

Ms Burge said she was overwhelmed with some of the comments from people who attended such as a gentleman with whom she shared lunch.

"He was sitting at home depressed due to being broke at Christmas and it was his day to have access to his children.

"A friend rang him and encouraged him to come to Mary Mac's for Christmas lunch.

"He was overwhelmed with the generosity and friendship Mary Mac's volunteers extended to a newcomer," said Ms Burge.

"We also had a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus with one of our very generous volunteers donating a car load of presents.

"Children and their parents left with a gift and a hamper, all due to generous donations from our community," she said.

Ms Burge said that, even though Christmas was over, the community was still thinking of those less fortunate with hams, eggs and lots of excess goodies from a local's vegetable garden brought in.

"Without this type of assistance, Mary Mac's Place would not be able to do the good work it does," said Ms Burge.

Media Release, 6 Jan 2011 Christine Burge, Mary Macs Place