Collingwood Football Club’s annual Christmas Day Luncheon for the homeless and disadvantaged will be held for the first time at the newly-opened community and event facility The Glasshouse.
Hosted by Collingwood President Eddie McGuire, the luncheon will see more than 500 people enjoy a traditional Christmas feast and receive gifts donated by Collingwood staff and players.
"For more than 30 years Collingwood has hosted this special event and over that time it has not only become the biggest luncheon of its kind in Melbourne but also a wonderful Christmas Day tradition for the club," McGuire said.
"It’s a great privilege for Collingwood to host some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people and celebrate Christmas together. This year we are particularly thrilled to welcome everyone to the magnificent facilities of The Glasshouse at Olympic Park."
The luncheon is part of Collingwood Football Club Foundation’s Magpie Nest Program operated in partnership with the Salvation Army and proudly supported by Slater and Gordon Lawyers.
Magpie Nest provides a network of support services and accommodation for the homeless and disadvantaged and is currently operating 30 houses around Melbourne supporting 90 people. The program also supports the Magpie Nest at Hamodava Café in the CBD, which provides free meals, a safe haven and a vital link to services for people experiencing homelessness.
"Christmas Day can be one of the saddest days of the year for many people," Brendan Nottle from the Salvation Army Project 614 Team said.
"The wonderful thing about this lunch is that it connects with people who would otherwise be feeling lonely and forgotten at this time of year."
The Salvation Army 614 team has also recently released a new smart phone app.
The app allows users to explore information, connect with services and support and stay up to date with key events.
Get behind the Salvos and download the Salvation Army Melbourne Project 614 app by clicking here now.
Collingwood's Christmas Day luncheon is sponsored by leading Melbourne caterers, The Big Group, who will be providing a traditional Christmas feast with the help of 40 volunteers.
"For yet another year, The Big Group is very proud to be part of such a special charity Christmas lunch for those less fortunate. It’s an honour to be part of an event that supports vulnerable and isolated people in our community," Managing Director of The Big Group Bruce Keebaugh said.
Invitations are extended to a range of community organisations including The Salvation Army, Collingwood Community Information Centre, North Yarra Community Health Centre, St Vincent de Paul, Western Region Health Centre and Wesley Footscray Outreach.
Moreland Buslines will generously provide guests with a free bus service between the CBD and The Glasshouse for the luncheon.
The Collingwood Football Club Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors and suppliers who have provided generous support for the event:
- The Big Group
- Slater and Gordon Lawyers
- Moreland Buslines
- The Design Depot
- Simon George and Sons
- Caterhire
- Transplumb
- Chef’s HatMy Supply
- Dean’s Art Supplies
- Dann Event Hire
- Flowers Vasette
- Applause Entertainment
- Harry the Hirer
- Black Tie Security
- Dorr Paper and Food Supplies
Annual Christmas Day Luncheon
Collingwood Football Club’s annual Christmas Day Luncheon for the homeless and disadvantaged will be held for the first time at the newly-opened community and event facility, The Glasshouse.
