Christmas spirit shines bright

The Redcliffe community’s Christmas spirit was on full display during a special event on Christmas Day.

More than 120 guests and 90 volunteers came together for the Redcliffe Community Christmas Lunch at Redcliffe Uniting Church, which returned for the first time since 2019 after a COVID-19 hiatus.

The event was organised with the support of Redcliffe Uniting Church, Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism, Social Ocean and Moreton Bay City Council.

Redcliffe Uniting Church Senior Minister Paul Clark says more than 250 people were involved in some way through donations, volunteering and even creating stunning centrepieces for the tables.

Reverend Clark says the community response to calls for assistance to make the event happen was heartening.

“The team were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community on both a personal level and from many of our local businesses,” he says.

“The day became a wonderful opportunity for local families to include their children and young adult family members in giving back.

“Families came together and volunteered their time, went shopping for items to donate, brought items in for donation, or door dashed them to us.

“It was an absolute highlight to have several local businesses come together to add special little touches on the day, including skilfully made Christmas Tree centrepieces by the staff at Woodland Shopfitting. The timber trees then went to one of the local Sesame Lane childcare centres, where the kids hand-painted and decorated them ready for our tables.

“We'd like to thank everyone who shared their time, resources, skills and crafts as well as the many community donations. You all contributed to a beautiful Christmas Day."

The lunch menu included barbecue chickens, ham, salad and desserts.

“There was lots of food leftover, so people were able to take home take aways packs to enjoy later,” Rev Clark says.

Guests also received tins of biscuits and goody bags for children.

Rev Clark says the crowd was really engaged, enjoying Christmas carols, a puppet show and a visit from The Grinch and Santa.

See the photo gallery below (click through)