Story: Christmas in the Park
Episode: 4
Presenter: Kelly Haywood
Air Date: 20 December 2024

Kelly takes us through Wellington Square, where Christmas in the Park is becoming a magical wonderland, thanks to local volunteers and community heroes!

• Christmas can be a challenging time for those without family or facing tough circumstances, but events like Mission Australia’s "Christmas Lunch in the Park" and the “Joondalup Christmas Lunch” ensure no one has to celebrate alone.
• Held at Wellington Square Park in East Perth, Mission Australia’s "Christmas Lunch in the Park" is a free and inclusive event, transforming the park into a Christmas wonderland, offering hope, compassion, and community to Perth’s most disadvantaged.
• Now in its 49th year, the event expects over 1,400 attendees, providing more than just a delicious traditional Christmas lunch — it offers companionship, support services, live music, gifts, and a visit from Santa.
• Organising this celebration is no small feat, requiring the dedication of more than 300 selfless volunteers who give up their time to make it happen.
• For those further north, Joondalup also hosts a Christmas lunch in Central Park, continuing the tradition of community, celebration, and generosity for all.
• Supported by Lotterywest, which provided $373 million in grants to over 400 not-for-profits and community organisations this year, events like these exemplify the spirit of giving back during the festive season.

For more information, head to:
www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au