Key Takeaways
- The Rimutaka Lions Club has been hosting a free Christmas lunch, known as Room at the Inn, for 38 years in Upper Hutt.
- The event provides a meal for up to 70 people, including the lonely, those struggling to afford Christmas lunch, visitors to the region, and those who want to socialize with the community.
- Volunteers, chefs, and do-gooders come together to cook and serve a full spread of food, including ham, chicken, steak, vegetables, pavlova, and pudding.
- The event is hosted by Blend Bar and Bistro, and is a way for the community to come together and enjoy a meal during the holiday season.
- Additional activities, such as free motor-trike rides, are also available for attendees to enjoy.
Introduction to the Event
The Rimutaka Lions Club has been spreading Christmas cheer in Upper Hutt for nearly four decades through its annual Christmas lunch, known as Room at the Inn. This year’s event was no exception, with volunteers, chefs, and do-gooders coming together to cook and serve a delicious meal to those in need. The lunch, which is free and open to all, is a beloved tradition in the community and provides a welcoming space for people to come together and enjoy a meal during the holiday season.
The Meal and its Significance
The meal, which was served between 11:30am and 2pm, consisted of a full spread of ham, chicken, steak, vegetables, pavlova, and pudding. According to Antoinette van Riel, a member of the Rimutaka Lions Club, the meal is available to anyone who wants to attend, including those who are lonely, struggling to afford Christmas lunch, or simply looking for a chance to socialize with the community. Van Riel noted that the event caters for up to 70 people, and if there are leftovers, attendees can take them home for Boxing Day. The meal is a highlight of the event, and attendees were eager to indulge in the delicious food and warm atmosphere.
The Volunteers and Chefs
The event would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and chefs who come together to make it happen. Euan Andrews, the owner of Blend Bar and Bistro, which hosts the event, said that a team of chefs were up at 8am cooking the meal. Andrews noted that it’s the second year he’s hosted the event, and that it’s a way for him to "give back to the community" and join in the Christmas spirit. The volunteers and chefs work tirelessly to ensure that every attendee has a wonderful experience, and their efforts are truly appreciated by the community.
Attendees and Their Experiences
The attendees at the event were a diverse group, ranging from locals to visitors, and all were united by their desire to come together and enjoy a meal during the holiday season. Selena Pirika, who attended the event, said that it feels like home to her, and that it’s a space where people can come together and experience aroha, kindness, and community. Rafael Reyes, who was visiting from Peru, was amazed by the generosity of the event and the fact that the meal was free. John Keigan, an Upper Hutt resident, was also impressed by the quality of the food and the effort that went into making the event happen.
Additional Activities
In addition to the meal, attendees were also treated to free motor-trike rides courtesy of Trikn Tours. Bretto, from Trikn Tours, took diners on a tour of Upper Hutt, including a ride up Fergusson Drive and on the motorway. The rides were a hit with attendees, who enjoyed the thrill of the ride and the chance to experience the scenery of Upper Hutt from a new perspective. The motor-trike rides added an extra layer of fun to the event, and were a great way to cap off the afternoon.
Conclusion
The Rimutaka Lions Club’s Christmas lunch is a truly special event that brings the community together and provides a welcoming space for people to come and enjoy a meal during the holiday season. The event is a testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together to support one another. With its delicious food, warm atmosphere, and additional activities, the event is a must-attend for anyone looking to experience the true spirit of Christmas. As the attendees and volunteers alike can attest, the event is a truly special experience that will be remembered for years to come.