Community spirit shines with Hawke’s Bay Christmas Day lunches

Across Hawke’s Bay kindness will show on Christmas Day with community lunch events in Napier, Havelock North and Waipukurau.

Lunches cater for everyone from the elderly to those who might face the day alone, those who find this time of year difficult or people looking for company.

Napier

In Napier, a lunch will be held at the Napier Old Boys Marist Rugby Clubrooms at Park Island at noon on Christmas Day.

The event, organised by Jim and Joanne Gaudin, is open for all who will be on their own or find Christmas rather difficult.

The lunch caters for up to 150 guests and transport can be provided for those needing assistance to get to the venue.

It is backed by the Napier City Council, Napier inner-city churches, Pak’nSave and supported by various other business and community organisations.

A Napier City Council spokeswoman said $900 was contributed from the John Close Bequest Fund toward the lunch.

Havelock North

Age Concern is hosting a free Community Christmas Lunch on Christmas Day for people 60 years and over who are alone or find this time of year challenging.

This year delivery will be available for those who are unable to leave their home due to health or mobility reasons.

There are limited spots: 150 for the lunch event and 50 for delivery. Registrations opened on December 16.

There will be no walk-ins on the day.

To register please call 06 870 9060 Havelock North Function Centre 2024 noon to 2pm. Transport will be available for those who need it.

Waipukurau

The St Andrews Church Hall will host a community Christmas lunch at 1pm on Christmas Day.

This Christmas dinner is open to anyone who wants company on Christmas Day.

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.