It's well known that Canberrans give their time and money generously but at this time of year the cup overflows.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There are so many people willing to spend Christmas helping others that St John's in Reid has capped the number helping serve Christmas lunch to those less fortunate, and has a waiting list for those willing to help into the new year.
As many Canberrans prepare to tuck into a Christmas meal on Tuesday, an army of volunteers will be helping the charity - and many more across the city - put food on the table and presents under the tree for those without, or for those with nowhere else to go.
Work for St John's Care Canberra's annual lunch has been under way for months. Executive officer Sarah Murdoch said Canberrans are getting more generous every year.
"We've been inundated with food supplies and hampers. As a city, we have a culture of giving," Ms Murdoch said.
"There's been so many people offering to volunteer for Christmas lunch, and that's obviously a lot of people taking time away from their own family at Christmas and assisting us, and that's absolutely beautiful."
The organisation has already distributed more than 1000 toys to 400 families, and is expecting to hand out a similar number in the days leading up to December 25.
St John's Care has been a community fixture for Christmas lunch, and Ms Murdoch said as the generosity of the city increases, so too does the need for help during the festive season.
"The number of people at the lunch gets bigger every year, and we've noted throughout the year there's also been a larger need for working families that are sitting below the poverty line," she said.
The generosity of the region has been felt in the wider region, with preparations well under way in Queanbeyan for Christmas events at St Benedict's Community Centre.
The centre hosts a Christmas lunch for more than 100 people each year. Coordinator Elaine Lollback said it's been a constant stream of donations.
"Every year I get blown away by the generosity of things in Queanbeyan," Ms Lollback said.
"It's always amazing that people need things like swags or clothes and socks, and people just show up and give it.
"The generosity peaks this time of year."
Ms Lollback said the focus was getting food for not only Christmas but beyond into January.
Ms Lollback said this year's lunch could serve up to 150 people.
"Everything's ready to go. We're a small organisation but we always get lots of people to help set up on Christmas Eve, and there's always plenty of people on Christmas Day," she said.
Ms Lollback has been volunteering for Christmas lunches for the past 15 years, and said there's always a special bond between those who are there on the day.
"It's always a moment of beauty and connection and surprises. People always connect with each other and make new friends," she said.
With Christmas just a few sleeps away, Ms Murdoch said preparations for the big day are stepping up and the generosity of the community has made it easier.
"On Christmas Day there's this beautiful feeling of everyone together and supporting each other, and in a way, that's how Christmas is meant to be," she said.
- Volunteer numbers for St John's Care Christmas lunch is capped, but food and presents are still welcomed. Donations can be dropped off between 9.30am and 2pm on Christmas Eve at 45 Constitution Avenue, Reid
- Donations are still sought for the St Benedict's Christmas gathering and non-perishable food for the New Year. They can be dropped off at 284 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan on Christmas Eve.
