Murray Bridge churches will offer free Christmas lunch to anyone who needs it

The combined Christian churches of Murray Bridge have organised a lunch so that everyone in the community will have a chance to eat a decent meal on Christmas Day.

The churches began their annual Christmas lunches in 2017, and since then have alternated locations between the Uniting Church and the Catholic Church; this year’s venue will be the Catholic Church hall on the corner of Ind Street and Mannum Road.

Reverend Deacon Arturo Jimenea from the Catholic Church of Murray Bridge said that people attending last year’s lunch had been appreciative.

“They had a chance to have some conversations if they were lonely and have a hot meal,” he said.

“Many of them know each other – sharing the experience was beautiful in that sense.”

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Deacon Arturo said that there was no dress code for people wanting to come to this year’s lunch.

“We don’t mind them coming as they are,” he said.

Although people having the Christmas lunch didn’t need to pay anything, he said, any donations from the community would be very welcome.

“In preparation for the meal, if there are any kind persons, we accept donations either in kind or in money,” he said.

Deacon Arturo thanked the many Murray Bridge businesses and individuals who have already been generous in helping out with time and donations.

“People who have heard about this are very much willing to come and help by volunteering,” he said.

“Many raised their hands and say they want to be involved, coming out of the woodwork and saying, ‘Hey, we’re here.’

“The volunteers might even outnumber the recipients.”

Deacon Arturo also thanked Deb Holland, assistant principal of St. Joseph’s School, for doing “most of the organising of the lunch”.

• RSVP: Contact Murray Bridge Catholic Church on 8531 1699, Murray Bridge Uniting Church on 8532 5150, Arturo Jimenea on 0413 800 249 or Darren Lovell on 0466 411 784 by December 16.

Clarification: We have updated some of the language used in this story.

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