Pork producers ham it up for Sydney Streetlevel
For the 21st year, NSW pork producers, in conjunction with NSW Farmers Association and Australian Pork Limited, have donated 250kg of pork to The Salvation Army's Sydney Streetlevel Christmas Day lunch.
A community lunch was held to celebrate the official “Ham Handover”, with more than 100 people attending.
Margie Abbott, wife of Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott, was a special guest for the third successive year. She was accompanied by daughter Bridget Abbott and together they talked with members of the Streetlevel community and helped to serve lunch.
Sydney Streetlevel Mission Leader Robyn Evans said the Christmas Day lunch would not be possible without the support of NSW Farmers, Australian Pork Limited, BE Campbell, Foodbank (NSW and ACT) and the volunteers who help to make the day happen.
“We’re absolutely humbled by the generosity of the NSW farming community, especially after the tough year they have been through themselves,” Robyn said.
“We also want to shout out a massive thank-you to the 150 volunteers who work tirelessly both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, who for the most part will forego part of their own Christmas celebrations to make this day a special one for the most needy in our community.”
Just hours before the ham handover, the tragic Sydney siege was coming to an end. Mrs Abbott acknowledged the tragedy, admiring the generosity of Australians during trouble times.
“It is a time like this that Australians are at their best,” she said. “We cannot be deterred. We will continue to be the generous, giving people that we are. This event here this morning is an example of this.
“Most importantly [I want to thank] the beloved Salvation Army. It’s not just today. It’s not just Christmas time. But it is every day of every year that The Salvation Army is reaching out to those in need.”
The pork will now be prepared, ready to be served for the Streetlevel Christmas Day lunch at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney.
Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon expressed his gratefulness to those who support The Salvation Army during the Christmas season.
“Australians give great support to The Salvation Army and here today we have another amazing example with the pork farmers and their contribution to the lunch today and also the Christmas Day lunch,” Commissioner Condon said.
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