Green and red Christmas lights have been lit at the end of the tunnel as Launceston City Community Christmas Lunch was launched at 10:30am today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite restrictions on gatherings, the lunch will still be able to provide a Christmas feast to hundreds of people in need.
The lunch is hosted on Christmas day at Albert Hall by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Care Tasmania, Launceston City Mission, the Salvation Army, and the Benevolent Society.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the council is proud to support the event which it sees as particularly important at Christmas time.
Mr van Zetten said this year, when so many have been impacted by COVID-19, the event held even greater significance in rebuilding community connection that had been impacted by the pandemic.
In the past the luncheon has seen attendances in excess of 500, but in 2020 it will not be open to the public because COVID-19 restrictions mean there will be limited seating.
St. Vincent de Paul society CEO Lara Alexander said there would be the capacity for 200 attendees at any one time this year with a procession system in place for comers and goers.
"While COVID-19 restrictions mean there will be fewer people able to attend the Launceston City Community Christmas this year, we are nonetheless committed to sharing as much Christmas joy as possible," she said.
"As in past years, on the day, people can also put their names down and wait for a table to become available."
Each charity has gone out of their way to adapt the event to the restrictions and they said the event is a rewarding way to support the community.
"This Christmas will be an extra special day given the year we have all experienced. It gives us a chance to come together, something we haven't always been able to do this year," Launceston Benevolent Society CEO Rod Spinks said.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
