The annual Christmas for Those Alone event at the McIntosh Centre, Shepparton Showgrounds, which is run on donations and sponsorship, is on again this year.
Organisers invite locals to “come and enjoy a delicious lunch with new and old friends at no charge”.
“We welcome people from all walks of life,” Christmas for Those Alone Inc secretary, volunteer and co-ordinator Sue Spence said.
“We have the elderly, families with children, homeless people, people in supported care, refugee families — there’s a group from Eureka (Villages) who come every year.”
There will be face painting and games for the kids and a sensory area for guests who need it.
Places are still available, but bookings are essential for catering purposes and can be made by phoning 0456 125 237 between 9am and 6pm. Limited transport and wheelchair transport is available, but must also be booked before 6pm on Tuesday, December 23.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available for the two-course meal.
The luncheon begins at 11am on Christmas Day and finishes at 2pm.
A little further from Shepparton, another free lunch will be offered at Rushworth’s old senior citizens’ building.
The not-for-profit Red Knights Motorcycle Club — made up of firefighters, former firefighters and their families — will put on a three-course meal of traditional Christmas food, along with music and children’s activities.
The club’s Chapter 14 president, Colin Consiglio, said people could come alone or bring their family or a friend on December 25.
“You could be young, elderly, anyone — it’s not just for the disadvantaged,” he said.
“We don’t care if you’ve got enough to cook your own lunch. If you’ve got no-one to share it with, what’s the point?”
Mr Consiglio said he hoped there would be a real community atmosphere on the day.
Leftover food will be immediately packaged up into individual serves and donated to the Rushworth Food Bank across the road from the venue.
Bookings are essential for catering purposes and can be made by visiting or phoning Rushworth Bendigo Bank, Rushworth Op Shop or Rushworth Food Bank.
For those who’d rather sit above a roaring engine on the road alongside like-minded enthusiasts, GV Social Riders will once again host a Christmas Day ride for local motorcyclists who are alone, feeling isolated or need a break from what can sometimes be a stressful time.
“We recognise that Christmas Day can be a challenging time for many in our local motorcycle community,” GVSR spokesperson Possum Green said.
“Pressures, expectations and personal circumstances can make the day difficult.”
No membership is required for the group, which welcomes all kinds of bikes with riders of all skill levels.
They will meet at Victoria Park Lake (opposite the Parklake) in Shepparton at 9.30am on Christmas Day.
A ride brief will take place at 9.45am, before stands up at 10am for a two-hour ride.
“Participants are welcome to join the entire ride, part of the ride, or simply come along to meet a few friendly faces,” Ms Green said.
“The destination and route will be decided at the meeting point. No booking required, just show up, fuelled up.”
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