"Affco has donated some hams to us, and Mars Petcare has actually paid for all our pavlovas, so that's cool. We've had generous donations from the community, and also from Pak'nSave. They've been huge, it's really amazing what they provide for us.
"There are so many businesses in the community taking care of people, because they know times are tough and they want everybody to have a good Christmas."
Brown said they would have enough volunteers on the day, and people were still asking if City Mission needed any additional hands on deck.
"We usually have around 70 volunteers. I think most people just love to be a part of the day.
"There's a really good system at the racecourse with the way it all works. It's a well-oiled machine."
The only thing left to organise was the music, Brown said.
"Last year we had Tim Davies, and it felt like we were at a little bit of a concert I think.
"I've put the word out there a little bit late this year. If somebody's available, they're available. It doesn't just have to be Christmas songs either, although I don't think we're looking for heavy metal.
"One year Marama Dey [Wai Ora Christian Community Trust] played guitar and sang, and she would get a group of people around her and then the rest of the guests all sang as well.
"I'd love to recreate something like that."
Brown said two groups of people had come in and bought 50 tickets each to give to other people who can't afford one.
"Others have come in to buy 20 as well. I put a [social media] post out to say that if you know you're not coming, could you please give it back. We have a list of people now who are saying 'hey, if any tickets become available, can you please keep one for me?'.
"I've never had to do something like that before."
• The City Mission Christmas Day Lunch will be held on December 25 at 12 noon in the Eulogy Lounge at the Whanganui Function Centre, Whanganui Racecourse, Purnell St.
