Whangarei Salvation Army has more than 100 for free Christmas Day lunch

Lieutenant Peter Koia, of the Whangarei Salvation Army, was delighted to give more than 100 people a delicious Christmas Day feast yesterday in the Sallies' Aubrey St base. Photo Mike Dinsdale

While many people spent their Christmas Day at home with family and friends, around 30 members of Whangarei's Salvation Army community gave up their own time to help others less fortunate have a joyful Christmas Day feast.

More than 100 people were at the Salvation Army's Aubrey St base yesterday for a free Christmas Day lunch that came with all the trimmings.

Lieutenant Peter Koia, of the Whangarei Salvation Army, said he was proud and delighted that so many people turned up for the feast.

''We've got more than 100 people from our wider community here for the lunch and I think we have more than 30 volunteers from the Salvation Army community today helping out as well,'' Mr Koia said.

''The volunteers have put aside some of their own time on Christmas Day to come and help others in the community to ensure they have an enjoyable and memorable Christmas day. It's a wonderful gesture.

''That's critical to making sure we can do this. Many of the people here have no family of their own or may not be able to have a Christmas meal like this so this is a chance for them to come along, enjoy the day and meet other people. Many of them came to our Christmas morning service then stayed on for the lunch, and it's great to see so many of them here.''

And judging by the smile of those attending all were really appreciative the effort put in by the Salvation Army and its volunteers.

"There are lots of big smiles and that shows they really appreciate it. But really I have to give a big thank you to our community, the people who gave up their time or donated food and the business community who helped make this possible. Most of the food was donated - I think we only had to buy some meat — but the hams, the vegetables, almost everything else came from the community and we are really thankful for all their help,'' Mr Koia said.

He said the generosity of the Northland community never ceased to amaze and it really came to the fore at Christmas time.

As well as yesterday's Christmas Day lunch, the Whangarei Salvation Army also gave out around 220 Christmas hampers to families in need in the lead up to Christmas, along with many toys that had been donated.