Christmas cheer for the poor

However, the true meaning of Christmas is often lost as we strive to curate the ‘perfect’ Christmas tree, shop for over-the-top gifts, and try to dazzle guests with amazing culinary treats. Understandably, there can be high levels of stress as the strain on our purse strings is felt and we are under pressure to replicate the images of an ideal festive season which bombard us on social media.

The collective sigh of relief that is heard across households around Australia on Boxing Day usually comes with the annual declaration that next year will be different and much simpler – although it rarely is.

While it is easy to be glib about the ‘trials’ of preparing for Christmas, it is important to recognise that for many the festive season can be an extremely difficult period for them. Family relationships, break-ups or divorce throw up unique challenges, while loneliness, isolation and a person’s mental wellbeing can be exacerbated at this time.

Fortunately, thousands of people in organisations throughout the country volunteer their time each year to provide some Christmas cheer and goodwill to those who are doing it tough.

In Adelaide, the Hutt St Centre serves around 40,000 meals and offers social work and support services to almost 2000 people experiencing homelessness each year.

At Christmas an even greater effort is made to brighten the lives of clients. The centre is decked out in tinsel and hundreds of decorations, and on Christmas Day a breakfast is on offer, with more than 200 guests enjoying the traditional three-course hot lunch.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of staff members and volunteers who take time away from their own families to make Christmas Day special for others. 

For long-time volunteer Michelle Theeuf, who is preparing to serve Christmas lunch at the centre for the sixth year, she couldn’t imagine spending the day any other way. “I like feeling you have done something to help others on a day when most people are able to celebrate with family and friends or have somewhere to go or something to do – but Hutt St is there for people who don’t have that available to them,” she says.

In reflecting on past Christmases, Michelle gets teary as she recalls the lovely conversations she has shared with those who attend Christmas lunch.

“They are just so grateful. People will thank you as they come in … some will yell out a thank you to all the staff and volunteers in the meal centre as enjoy their lunch, others do it more quietly and thank you personally.

“For some of the clients you can see it’s a real struggle for them on Christmas Day. But they are all so incredibly grateful to staff and volunteers and specifically acknowledge that you have given up your time on Christmas Day to be at Hutt Street to support them.”

Although she works full time, Michelle has been volunteering on the Monday morning breakfast shift for the past 10 years. She believes her strong sense of social justice was instilled in her during her Catholic schooling, giving her an appreciation for the more vulnerable members of our community.

Lucien Young is another who volunteers over the Christmas period, covering absences when his counterparts are away on holidays. Volunteering at Hutt St Centre on its Saturday breakfast team since 2016, the 55-year-old is empathetic with those who use the centre’s services, as he was close to experiencing homelessness himself at one time.

“I am a solicitor and when I went out in my own practice I had zero clients. I was very close to being on the streets due to financial reasons, so I am very mindful that all it takes is something to happen; that most of us are only one or two steps off being on the streets,” he says.

Raised as a Catholic, Lucien believes volunteering puts his Christian faith into action.

“Volunteering at Hutt St keeps me grounded,” he explains. “It reminds me of what can happen. It also in a way clears my conscience because I attend church – but I think for most people who attend church that is it, and it stops there.

“There is so much to be done and I feel it is impossible to say you’ve satisfied the needs of clients because there is just so much to do. The time I give is just a drop in the ocean of what is required.”

Michelle and Lucien both say that volunteering at the Hutt St Centre over Christmas is one of the best gifts they receive, and it helps put things into perspective. They, like so many other volunteers at this time of year, are proud that they can play a small part in giving those doing it tough a seat at the Christmas table.

We encourage you to share and use this material on your own website. However, when using materials from Majellan Media’s website, please include the following in your citation:  Sourced from www.majellan.media