Key Takeaways
- Hundreds of Tasmanians will come together for Community Christmas lunches in Hobart and Launceston, a decades-long tradition of bringing holiday cheer to those less fortunate.
- The Hobart event marks a significant transition as Home Base hands over responsibility to CatholicCare Tasmania after 43 years.
- Around 600 people are expected to attend the Hobart Community Christmas lunch, making it the biggest yet.
- The Launceston Community Christmas lunch has reached capacity, with 600 attendees expected, and is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
- Both events rely heavily on community support, with opportunities to donate funds or gifts for attendees.
Introduction to Community Christmas Lunches
The tradition of Community Christmas lunches in Tasmania has been a cornerstone of the holiday season for decades, bringing together hundreds of individuals and families who may be experiencing hardship. This year, the events in Hobart and Launceston will continue to provide a sense of community and festive cheer to those who need it most. The Hobart event, in particular, marks a significant transition as Home Base, formerly known as Colony 47, hands over responsibility for the lunch to CatholicCare Tasmania after 43 years of organizing the event.
The Hobart Community Christmas Lunch
The Hobart Community Christmas lunch will be held at In The Hanging Garden, with catering provided by Flint Kitchen. Organizers are expecting around 600 people to attend, making it the biggest event yet. CatholicCare Tasmania has been working closely with Home Base to ensure that the transition preserves the spirit of the event, which has become a Christmas Day staple in Hobart. The event has been a vital part of the community, providing a sense of belonging and connection for those who may be struggling during the holiday season. With the support of the community, the event is expected to continue to thrive under the new leadership of CatholicCare Tasmania.
The Launceston Community Christmas Lunch
In Launceston, the Community Christmas lunch is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the event has reached capacity, with 600 attendees expected. The lunch will take place at the Exhibition Hall in the Launceston Conference Centre, with doors opening at 10:30 am and lunch being served from midday. The event has become a beloved tradition in Launceston, providing a sense of community and connection for those who may be experiencing hardship. The fact that the event has reached capacity is a testament to the importance of this initiative and the impact it has on the lives of those who attend.
Community Support and Donations
Both the Hobart and Launceston Community Christmas lunches rely heavily on community support to make the events a success. Opportunities have been available for Tasmanians to donate funds to "buy a plate" for individuals or families, or to donate gifts for attendees. These donations are crucial in ensuring that the events can continue to provide a sense of community and festive cheer to those who need it most. The generosity of the community is a vital part of the events’ success, and organizers are grateful for the support they receive each year. By donating to these events, individuals can make a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling, providing them with a sense of connection and belonging during the holiday season.
Conclusion and Future of Community Christmas Lunches
The Community Christmas lunches in Hobart and Launceston are a testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together to support those in need. As the events continue to grow and evolve, it is clear that they will remain a vital part of the Tasmanian community for years to come. The transition of the Hobart event to CatholicCare Tasmania marks a new chapter in the event’s history, and organizers are excited to see how the event will continue to thrive under new leadership. With the continued support of the community, the Community Christmas lunches will remain a beloved tradition, providing a sense of community and festive cheer to those who need it most.
