Napier Christmas lunch co-ordinators call for new organisers

145 people gathered to share lunch at the Napier Community Christmas Lunch. Photo / Supplied

Napier's annual Christmas community lunch co-ordinators are calling for help to organise next year's event.

Hundreds descended on Hawke's Bay's annual lunches, and in Havelock North in particular the number exceeded expectation.

It's the fourth year Jim and Joanne Gaudin have organised the Napier Community Christmas lunch, but it's been running for many years longer.

"We really enjoy giving back to people in the community who aren't as blessed as we are with either material goods or family," Joanne said.

This year about 145 people attended the lunch including 35 children and Mayor Kirsten Wise.

A wide range of people attend, from the elderly, children and families, the homeless and those who may be alone on Christmas.

"We've got a grandmother now who has been twice and she's caring for eight of her grandchildren, so it's really nice for her to be able to sit down and have a meal with the children without having to prepare it," Joanne says.

Chef Rangi Uriarau and volunteers prepare food at the Napier Community Christmas Lunch. Photo / Supplied

About 45 volunteers work to provide the guests with a lunch of ham, chicken and salad and jelly, ice cream, mince pies and chocolate fish for dessert.

Each child received a gift donated by Pak'nSave Tamatea and adults also went away with a small gift of food or toiletries.

"Christmas really is the gift of the baby and we like to symbolise that through this day."

The lunch is supported by Napier City Council and Pak'nSave Tamatea as well as individual donations, local church support and koha from some guests going towards next year's dinner.

"It's with their generosity that we are able to be the facilitators of this event," Jim said.

The Gaudins will continue to take a co-ordinator role in the lunch next year until they find someone who can take on the role of organising the event.

Anyone interested can message the Napier Community Christmas Lunch Facebook page.

The Age Concern Havelock North Christmas lunch in Havelock North also proved popular this year feeding an extra 100 or so people than previously.

Jeremy Rimene from Pure Catering and Stu and Damien from Maina were the chefs at the Age Concern Havelock North lunch. Photo / Supplied

There were meals for 362 at the centre and 120 take home and home delivery meals provided.

Age Concern Havelock North manager Carol Winters people from all over the Hastings district, as well as a van load from Napier came to the lunch this year.

Over the whole project there were 75 volunteers and 73 on the day in a variety of roles from setup, kitchen service and waiting, ending with a breakdown and cleaning team.

She said everyone was happy to be there and very thankful.

362 people were fed at the Age Concern Havelock North Christmas lunch. Photo / Supplied

"We've already received thank you messages from our guests along with some fabulous feedback from volunteers.

"Overall, even though we fed an extra 100 plus people this year, it was our most organised and smoothly run event," Winters said.

She said it was the eighth event she has personally project managed and the team of only six people who help with the organisation are "incredible".