Will you be alone this Christmas? Are you or someone you know struggling with financial, relationship or other problems this holiday season? A fantastic community tradition is back this year and the whole town is invited.
Havannah House are once again hosting the community Christmas Day Lunch at the Forbes Town Hall. An invitation is extended to one and all and there will be presents for both young and old, plenty of food and fun for everyone.
Havannah House is a local community organisation that provides emergency accommodation as well as emergency food hampers to those in need. Many clients are referred to the service by the Department of Housing, Department of Community Services and the Women’s refuge. Clients also have access to counselling and budgeting services.
Previously Havannah House was affiliated with Anglicare but is now controlled by a body corporate after the Combined Churches Association purchased the building. This community facility is not government funded and relies on fundraising and revenue raised through its two businesses, greeting card verse printing and screen
printing, to sustain the valuable support it provides. The centre holds two to three garage sales per year which provides a major part of the funds necessary to maintain the property. Donations of good quality second items are always being sort and Havannah House would be grateful for any assistance.
The services four managers, Geoff and Caroline Wells along with David and Julie Virtue, live on site and are able to provide support and referrals to meet the needs of their clients. The majority of the food for the Christmas luncheon is donated or purchased through donations of money received. Based on previous years organisers will be catering for 150 guests. The event is well supported by the community and Forbes Shire Council provide the venue free of charge. Doors open at 12noon with lunch being served at 12.30pm. Bookings are not essential but encouraged to assist with catering. Volunteers are also welcome to assist on the day so please give Caroline, Julie, Geoff or David a call on 6852 1366 for further information on the lunch or other activities they hold throughout the year.