Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is preparing to host what will be the Centre’s 12th Annual Salvation Army Christmas Lunch after the event was paused during the pandemic.
Some 400 children and adults from the Salvo’s homeless services in Brisbane and surrounding regional areas will attend the event on December 17.
The Salvation Army’s Simon Gregory welcomed the return of the lunch to the Centre’s annual calendar of events, describing it as a wonderful opportunity to share the spirit of the festive season with some of those who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness this Christmas.
“We are already seeing an increase in demand for support this year and there is concern that demand will increase further as we head into 2023,” he said.
“We fear there will be significant hardship felt by many in our community for the very first time in their lives, as those who took advantage of lower interest rates at the start of Covid begin to feel the impact of recent back-to-back significant hikes in interest rates.”
The Centre’s chefs and 30 staff volunteers from across all operational areas including members of the executive team will prepare and serve the meals and assist with the staging of the event.
“We are proud once more to be partnering with The Salvation Army, the Special Children’s Christmas Party and other organisations, helping to spread a little joy and sharing some Christmas spirit with those doing it tough at this time of year,” said BCEC general manager Kym Guesdon.
