The meaning of Christmas is different for all people, yet many could agree upon the fact that it is a time of celebration with family and friends, a time for giving and good cheer.
j
I have been lucky enough so far in my life to be surrounded by loved ones, to have my health and financial stability to join in the celebrations around Christmas time. Unfortunately, not everyone has these things.
Christmas is a time for giving. Giving can come in any shape or form. Many charities at this time of year ask for donations in the way of money, food, clothing, supplies and presents (as seen under many wishing trees in department stores). The donation of time by way of volunteering is another really important aspect of Christmas that many of us are capable of doing.
This year, as in past years, my family and I will be spending Christmas day volunteering for the Kinship At Christmas Foundation to provide a meal and some company to the members of the Blue Mountains Community who have nowhere else to go on Christmas Day.
…”Christmas can be a very difficult and lonely time for many people, for many different reasons. There are people who are unable to be with family or friends on Christmas Day, and this could evoke many feelings and emotions. It does not matter why any of our guests choose to spend Christmas Day with us, the KACF volunteers are here for them. It is our aim to give everyone a pleasurable day whatever the circumstances.”…
The Kinship At Christmas Foundation is not aligned to any church or other charity, and does not preach to any of the guest attending Christmas Lunch, nor do they ask for payment of any kind. ‘They are there to share the day with us without any “strings” attached.’
My sister and I began volunteering to serve lunch on Christmas Day in our local area some years ago, when I was going through a difficult time in my life and was searching for more meaning to Christmas beyond presents and celebration.
There are a number of ways to volunteer with Kinship At Christmas, both prior to Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and the day itself. Volunteers give up the amount of time that they desire and can choose a job they think is suitable for them. Jobs include, table setters, decorators, present wrappers, kitchen hands, hosts, public relations, food servers, table servers, Santa’s assistants, drivers and clean up crew.
The Kinship At Christmas Foundation Lunch is served at the Blackheath Community Centre, Cnr Great Western Highway and Gardiners Cres, Blackheath (opposite the train station). The Foundation also offers a Christmas Lunch in the Windsor Area, at the Hawkesbury Masonic Hall.
We are all pressed for time just before Christmas and are stretched to our limits with buying presents, stocking up on food, cleaning the house and hours of driving from family gathering to family gathering. It is easy to get lost in all the fuss and stress of this holiday. If you, like me, are looking for more meaning to Christmas, consider volunteering – you will be surprised at the amount of opportunities out there.
To find information about activities in your area, contact local community groups, church’s, well know charities (like the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul in Australia) websites or local stores. All will be able to provide details of the ways to donate and volunteer this Christmas.
For more information on Kinship At Christmas Foundation, please visit their blog.
xx
Rachel Jane 