The St Vincent de Paul Society held Christmas lunch at the Orange Community Centre on Friday for members of the community to come together and enjoy the festive season.

With an array of dishes and desserts, bon bons and other traditions,  less fortunate members of the community enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner without having to feel lonely.

Organiser John Oldroyd said the volunteer-run event was a great way for people who were not surrounded by family over the holiday period to come together and socialise. 

“Christmas can be a pretty lonely time for some people,” he said.

“Most of the population is running around buying gifts for other members of the family.

“In this day and age where families don’t stay together, particularly young people, they move off to the city and there’s a bit of isolation there. 

“A lot of people get forgotten by their families, they tend to fall through the cracks.”

Mr Oldroyd said attendance at the annual lunch had increased since its inception, and attendees of the event had continued to enjoy the meals put on by the volunteers

“It’s been going now for a number of years and over time the numbers have increased,” he said.

“Apart from Christmas, they have a lunch here every second week at no cost to them.

“It’s a very happy venue, a positive place.”

People attending the event said the company of others was their their favourite part about the festive gathering. 

“It is really good for people and good company,” Michelle Ford said.

“It is very good they’re putting it on,” Barbara Dos said.

Father James Kane said it was great to see the community getting involved and supporting the St Vincent de Paul Society. 

“We get something to eat, which is always good, and we get to support the organisation,” he said.

Mr Oldroyd said fellow volunteers were the ones who made putting on the Christmas lunches each year possible.

“It’s always very positive, in fact, the volunteers mix with the people. They do a lot of work,” he said.

ellen.dunger@fairfaxmedia.com.au