Stampede of helpers for festive lunch

Pastor David Moore prepares to spread festive cheer for next week's annual lunch. Photo / Ben Fraser

Co-ordinators of the Rotorua Combined Church Christmas Lunch have been inundated with volunteers wanting to help out on the big day.

The annual free lunch will be held at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre next Thursday with 400 people expected to attend.

Pastor David Moore of Harvest Church said they've been overwhelmed with the generous response of those keen to help.

"We've had over 100 volunteers, it's been a wonderful response, we're having people ring us and have to say, 'Thank you but we're all full'. It's been a real joy to have people willing to give up a part of their significant day.

"It's going to be a great meal with a warm atmosphere.

"It's for those where it might be a struggle to put anything on their table, but we will also have some people who will come because they would rather not spend Christmas day on their own and we welcome them."

Two hundred attendees have registered so far. Those wanting to attend will need to register before the day at either the Citizens' Advice Bureau, St John's Church, the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, or by ringing Harvest Church.

The food and equipment have been provided through financial donations and a grant from the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust.

"For us we need the registrations for enough space to be allocated, we don't look at anybody's names," Pastor Moore said.

"We are also trying to have a gift for all the kids, there are 50 per cent so far attending who will be children and we're looking for any donated presents.

"If people can wrap them and deliver them to the arts centre, their local church or we can arrange to pick it up."

This is the fourth year the combined churches have held the lunch.

"We really outgrew the church halls' capacity so the Rotorua Lakes Council offered us their banquet hall and its been the second year there. It's been great working together and spreading the load and also enabling the wider church community to fellowship."

Doors will open at 11.30am on Christmas Day with the lunch to start from 12pm. For registration, or to donate a present, phone Harvest Church on (07) 347 0169 or sign up at the Citizens' Advice Bureau, St John's Church or the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.