The Port Macquarie community has shown its generosity raising valuable support for the Salvation Army just in time for the busiest period of the year.
Up to 1,600 people flocked to Sovereign Hills for the annual Community Carols hosted by the Grace Church and Friends on Sunday evening.
During four hours of musical performances and free family-family entertainment, $4,500 was raised for the Port Macquarie Hastings Salvos Christmas Appeal which will help deliver food hampers and gifts to those who need it most this Christmas.
Grace Church Pastor Greg Campion spearheaded the event with the help of the local church community and sponsors including the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Pycon, Hastings Co-op, Meltique Beef, Lake Cathie Health Complex and Sovereign Hills.
“The atmosphere was amazing. People came in good spirit with generous hearts and a friendly attitude and it showed as everyone gathered in close together on chairs and rugs, stayed through the short thunderstorm burst, and lined up patiently for their sausage sandwich and face painting for the kids’ and other activities,” shared Pastor Campion who was determined to provide free fun for families who may have experienced a challenging year financially.
“We gave out over 1,500 sausages and 1,000 drinks and coffees, and the kids decorated a massive 500 cupcakes.
“The extra boost came through four other church groups working together; Lifeway, St Thomas’ Anglican and Port Macquarie Seventh-Day Adventist Churches, and the Salvation Army, which all chipped in with additional activities, equipment, volunteers and musicians, and made the extra-sized event possible.”
The event, which was compered by former LEGO Masters contestant Caleb Campion, also brought together local school choirs and bands from Westport Public School, St Joseph’s Regional College and St Columba Anglican School which helped provide an expanded musical program.
Sovereign Hills developer Lewis Land Group was delighted to both sponsor the event, held on the greens opposite the Sovereign Place Town Centre, and provide a boost to the Salvos Christmas Appeal with $7,000 in gift cards and children’s toys.
“This Christmas the Salvos will provide support and hope to more than 200 Hastings families. We are in awe of their amazing work and impact throughout the community and we hope our donation means they can extend their reach and make this festive season a little brighter for more local children and adults,” said a Sovereign Hills spokesperson.
Port Macquarie Hastings Salvation Army Captain Peter Gott said there had been an increase in people accessing their services not just this Christmas, but throughout the year.
“Us Aussies don’t actually like to ask for help… We don’t want to give the perception we don’t have it all at times, so to come and have to lay down your pride can be a difficult process,” Captain Gott explained.
“We’re so grateful for the community’s support and generosity. It will ensure we have enough toys to go around, and we know picking a gift for a teenager can be difficult so gift vouchers go a long way to ensuring they can choose what they like themselves and it takes the pressure off the parents.”
