St Peters in the City is once again in the thick of organising its free annual Christmas dinner for the community – and needs volunteers, food donations and funds for it to come to fruition.

Reverend Enosa Auva’a says 2023 marks the 34th year holding the Christmas Dinner at St Peter’s in the City.

“It is a community effort where volunteers and guests all come together to celebrate Jesus’ birth and celebrate the Season of God’s sacrificial love and unconditional gift to mankind, plus Jesus’ command for us to love others as He has loved us.”

Volunteers wanted

The church will serve up dinner to 250 registered guests from 5pm-7pm on Monday, December 25 – however, planning has already begun with a mammoth task ahead to feed the gathering.

The first thing the church requires is volunteers on the day to make all the magic happen.

“We require volunteers to assist with many important tasks that help the dinner go ahead and succeed,” says Enosa.

Volunteer tasks include setting up tables, entertainment, greeting guests, preparing and serving food, hosting a table, kitchen-work, pack-down and clean-up afterwards.

“Volunteers are an important and integral part of the dinner from start to finish,” says Enosa.

“It’s about giving back to the community, being a blessing to those who are less fortunate and being part of something bigger than themselves.

“This also gives St Peters Church opportunity to share the gospel with the community at this festive time of year.”

Food donations 

Next the church needs food donations – as a whopping grocery list is required to create a wholesome feast.

Think 50 chickens, 10 hams, 30kg each of potato and kumara, 20 pumpkins and much, much more – including a range of salad and dessert ingredients to feed everyone well.

Enosa says the dinner usually costs $4000-$5000 – so cash donations will be gratefully accepted.

“We fundraise within our church, our suppliers, webpage, advertise in media and reach out to community groups.”

Enosa says the money is used to purchase food items not donated, hireage of fridges and freezers to keep food fresh, Bain Maries to keep food warm, cooking utensils, cleaning consumables, power and fuel, and to purchase gifts for children.

To volunteer, or donate food or money, see: www.stpeters.org.nz and click on the ‘Christmas’ tab.

Or phone the church office on 07 578 6908.

Or drop off non-perishable food items at St Peters in the City, 130 Spring St, from 9am-2pm Tuesday to Friday.

Perishable items can be dropped off December 22 from 9am-1pm, or other dates/times by arrangement.