Transport, food need at lunch

Sydney
22 December 2002

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Transport, food need at lunch

By Damir Govorcin

Organisers of the John Franklin Christmas Day lunch have sent out an SOS for help with transport, food, gifts and money.

Last year's inaugural lunch was a big success and, with increased publicity and more awareness of the event, organisers expect an even bigger turnout this Christmas Day.

The lunch - at St Patrick's primary school, Sutherland - is named after a homeless man who often visited parish priest Fr John Sullivan for a sandwich and a cup of tea.

His death a week before Christmas 2000 highlighted the plight of the homeless. And it galvanised parishioners into action to make Christmas special for people less fortunate than them.

In all, 150 people volunteered their services last year. Lack of transport was a problem then as it looks to be again this year.

Virginia Peoples, one of the organising team, says: "We're hoping that one of the local RSL, social or sporting clubs will offer free of service one of their community buses.

"And we need donations of Christmas food such as ham, turkey and chicken, as well as gifts and money, if we're to make this lunch a success."

If you can help, call Virginia on 9545 0498.