Over 16 years the Christmas day lunches have grown in popularity and the Kealtons now collaborate with the St John’s Crisis Centre and their band of volunteers to host the important event. The Crisis Centre is an amazing service located in the heart of Surfers Paradise supporting locals by providing food, clothing, and other essential services in their time of need.
After the past difficult years of Covid and takeaway meals, the pair were glad to be able to offer a sit-down lunch again in 2022.
‘On behalf of Di Kozic and her amazing team at St Johns Crisis Centre and all of us involved in the annual Christmas Lunch, a huge thanks to you for again supplying the colourful and very useful carry bags for the Christmas presents. We catered for around 120 very grateful guests all of whom again went away with a bag full of goodies! It is always so gratifying to see the look of appreciation on their faces as they enjoy a traditional lunch and companionship,’ says Leigh.
Jan and Leigh created the Fellowship following the tragic death of their son, James, who suffered from schizophrenia. They started organising the lunch to raise awareness of mental illness and provide a place for vulnerable people who may feel isolated at Christmas time.
‘Jan and I will continue to be involved for as long as Di and her team need us. They are a fantastic organisation and will provide the ongoing certainty of the annual Christmas Day Lunch for people needing community support. We have enjoyed our role over the past 16 years and do hope you may be able to continue supplying your bags into the future. Once again, our very grateful thanks and good wishes to you all.’
Thank you, Jan, Leigh, and the St John’s Crisis Centre, for providing such a valuable service to those in need. We love to receive feedback and photos of the event each year and hope to continue our support into the future.