Maroubra community gets into Christmas spirit
Finalist on Channel Nine’s The Voice Darren Percival sings at the Maroubra community Christmas lunch on Saturday (Credit: Lieutenant Phil Sutcliffe).
Acclaimed singer Darren Percival's rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas captivated the 200 guests at the first Maroubra Community Christmas Lunch on Saturday 6 December.
Darren, a popular soul, rhythm and blues vocalist who rose to nationwide fame in 2012 as a finalist on Channel Nine's The Voice, was the special guest at the lunch held at the Prince Henry Centre in Little Bay in Sydney's east.
Maroubra Salvation Army Corps Leader Jacqueline Gluyas said one of the highlights was watching the joy on everyone’s faces, especially when Darren was singing carols.
“Everyone was so engaged and had smiles on their faces,” she said. “They all just loved that experience. Even for them to just experience Christmas carols being sung together. Just the joy in that – that was great.”
Jacqueline's husband and co-leader Matt said the lunch was an opportunity for his church community to reach out to the disadvantaged in their area.
“We saw a need in our community. There are many disadvantaged and isolated people here in the eastern suburbs. Christmas is a time where people feel even more disconnected and vulnerable,” Matt said.
The venue was donated by the Randwick City Council, with all the food provided by Little Bay Foodworks.
Along with Darren's performances and carol singalong, the Little Bay Coast Centre for Seniors Tap Dancing group presented a couple of items.
The Member for Kingsford Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite, was given an opportunity to share his appreciation for the work The Salvation Army does in the community.
“I’m honoured to be here with the Salvos. They do wonderful work in our community protecting the vulnerable, ensuring that families can get by, and it’s my way of paying tribute to the Salvos for the wonderful work they do on behalf of our community,” he said.
Sydney East and Illawarra Divisional Commanders, Lieut-Colonels Peter and Jan Laws, Councillor Noel D’Souza from Randwick City Council and aboriginal elder Aunty Barbara, who provided a Welcome to Country, were also guests on the day.
The hard-working team in the kitchen, led by Maroubra Corps assistant officer Major Robbin Moulds, worked to prepare lunch for the guests.
Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon said grace before serving lunch with the help of the other special guests.
The Café 47 coffee van was on site to provide hot beverages. And there were plenty of activities for children and the opportunity for families to get a photo with Santa. All families took home a hamper and there was a toy for all the children.
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