Sallies' Christmas lunch back on again

Gary Codlin (left), and community ministries manager Irene Peeters with donated food. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The Whangarei Salvation Army's Christmas lunch is back on the cards after a two-year hiatus.

Overwhelming response from the public and the business community has enabled the event for 120 people to take place at the army's Aubrey St premises on Christmas Day.

The lunch was first organised in 2011 when 150 people attended and the Salvation Army also gave away 200 Christmas hampers in Whangarei and 20 in Kaitaia.

A lack of an organiser meant the lunch couldn't be organised in 2012 and 2013.

Director of Community Ministries Major Cathy Elkington said the Christmas lunch was for the elderly, widows and single parents who'd need to register their names before December 25.

"We say that if you receive a Christmas hamper, please don't come for dinner."

She paid tribute to her recovery church team leader Gary Codlin and others who'd agreed to organised this year's lunch.

On demands for food parcels heading into the festive period, Ms Elkington was confident her office would be able to cater for any increase in requests as donations had been healthy.

The Whangarei Salvation Army currently helps 1300 families through its food bank.

Ms Elkington said her staff and volunteers had been "firm" in handing out food parcels as they wanted to engage people in transforming their lives and for them to become productive members of society.

"The generosity of the public [in donating food] has been unbelievable. We'll cater for the demand and we'll buy some stuff if we need to," she said.

She also encouraged people to take advantage of the Wattie's Cans film festival, which was in its 21st year, to help Kiwi families in need.

All donated cans of food help the Salvation Army food banks nationwide.

People can exchange a can for a movie pass at Event Cinemas in Whangarei.

Movies they can watch in Whangarei are 2D Planes: Fire Rescue airing at 6pm and 2D Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 6.15pm.

Wattie's generously matches each can donated with one of its own.