THE CHRISTMAS Community lunch on Christmas Day, Sunday 25 December 2022 welcomes all and anyone who wants to share the company of others for a special Christmas meal, at no cost.

Always advocating and achieving on behalf of those who need support, Doris Cowan is masterminding the growing Christmas Community Lunch with a team of volunteers and numerous local businesses and individuals donating everything required.

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Anyone wishing to come along on the day can call Doris and get their name on the list.

The ‘party’ is held at the Cavanbah Centre, 191 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour, from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

“Anyone who’s homeless, or elderly and doesn’t want to cook for themselves or can’t visit family and friends this year are all welcome to come along,” Doris told News Of The Area.

There’s plenty of space with room for 200 seated inside as well as outdoor tables and seating.

There are three raffles supporting the Community Christmas lunch which will be drawn on Christmas day.

Raffle 1 first prize is a locally hand-made mosaic pot, second prize is a Jetty Theatre double pass with complimentary drink and third prize is a $50 voucher for Farmstead coffee at North Boambee Valley.

Raffle 2 first prize is a Coffs Harbour Golf Club voucher for holes of golf for two people, second prize is a Bardsley honey gift pack and third prize is an Ambiano food grater.

Raffle 3 is for kids crafts with a first prize of a Crystal Creations kit, second prize is a Tie Dye kit and third prize is a Painting By Numbers book.

Doris’ urgent call out is for a soft drinks sponsor (the event is strictly no alcohol) and hams.

“We still need drinks and hams,” she urged.

“Big Country Meats in Coffs has donated 25 kilos of pork cooked and sliced for me to pick up on Christmas Eve.

“That saves me a huge amount of time and can feed 300 people,” said Doris.

“I have turkeys donated with stuffing and veggies.

“Providores have put an order through for us.

“R&R has donated a Woolworths voucher for us to use.

“Good Price Pharmacy has donated.”

All food prep is being relocated to The Community Centre which has been donated for this purpose.

“I put a post on Coffs Harbour Chefs Facebook page asking for help to cook on Christmas Eve and I have four chefs volunteering their time.”

Through contacts at Spare Chef Catering, Doris has been able to hire out a cool room on wheels which can be used overnight.

“Kim from the Happy Frog has helped me with everything, supporting my fundraising through the Harbourside Markets,” Doris said.

“Entertainment is being provided by Tim Bennett, and Santa Claus will be paying a visit.

“Takeaway Christmas lunches are also being supplied and we need containers for these.

“New Horizons has approached us to do 50 meals for their clients who might have anxiety and are no good around groups so cannot attend the lunch gathering.”

People can donate gifts, non-perishables or money and all profits after The Community Christmas lunch expenses go back into the 3R’s (Rest, Refuel, Recover) Homeless Shelter project that Doris continues to advocate for with increasing success at finding a suitable location.

Doris’ work is supported by Lifehouse Church, OzHarvest, Lifeline Mid North Coast, Mission Australia and individuals.

Doris’s husband David has quickly come on the giving journey, the couple having met and married last year within four months.

“I was definitely on board for the Community Christmas lunch again this year,” said David.

“I’ve never seen before how we can help people who are doing it tough.”

And the final word acknowledges Julie Ferguson, founder of OzHarvest Coffs Harbour chapter, who came up with the idea for the Christmas get-together with Robyn Milne back in 2007.

Bookings to the Christmas Community Lunch are essential.

Call Doris Cowan on 0411 428761 or email dmcowan01@gmail.com.

By Andrea FERRARI