More than a meal: Fifty years of Mission Australia’s free Christmas lunch | USAEMALL.com

For Tania Vos attending Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch in The Park in 1999 with her two young daughters was about more than a free meal.

It was a lifeline.

Ms Vos was escaping domestic violence at the time and was directed to the event by a service provider while trying to keep her children safe.

“If I didn’t come that day, I would have gone back home,” she said.

“I remember I felt so ashamed I was in that situation but when I walked through the gate they didn’t see any of that.

“They just saw me as a person”.

On Thursday 26-years later, Ms Vos returned to the event with her daughter Brooke O’Hearn as volunteers, in what she described as a “full-circle moment”.

Ms O’Hearn credits the event as shaping her as a person and praised her mother’s strength.

“Mum having access to something like that and then encouraging us to be people who go out and do stuff like this . . . it’s impacted every aspect of my life,” she said.

Celebrating it’s 50th year, Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch in The Park, held at Perth’s Wellington Square, is the largest of its kind in Australia, with nearly 400 volunteers helping to provide about 1500 people with meals and access to essential services.

Mission Australia Director WA Sue Budalich said the milestone reflected decades of community generosity.

Ms Budalich said it came when many were doing it tough.

“It should be a festive period, when your heart is filled with joy, love and family and the sad reality is many people don’t have that,” Ms Budalich said.

“We create that space here, and it’s just beautiful — there’s no place I’d rather be.”

Children received presents from Santa and adults were provided care packs containing non-perishable food and personal care items to help them get through the holiday period, while many services are closed.

For 28 years, volunteer Robert D’Souza has given up his Christmas Day to help at the event.

“Seeing people out there that have nothing . . . they come here and have a meal, brand new clothing, a haircut, a shower . . . that’s what makes me happy, and that’s why I do it every year,” he said.

WA Governor Chris Dawson praised those who gave up their time to help at the event.

“Today is an example of what Christmas is about, it’s about giving more of yourself to others,” he said.

“I really want to thank the volunteers here today giving up their Christmas morning, they are selfless and I really want to honour them.”