Larissa Okonkwo at the Flinders Family and Child Centre where the Flinders Community Christmas Lunch will be held. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
For many, Christmas is a season of togetherness and celebration — but for some, it can be a time of loneliness and isolation.
To bridge that gap, Larissa Okonkwo is hosting her second community Christmas lunch, opening her arms to anyone who might otherwise spend the day alone.
First launched last year at Larissa’s own home, demand for the Flinders Community Christmas Lunch has grown to expand into the Flinders Child and Family Centre this year.
“It can be an isolating time, especially when you know everyone’s with their families and, if you’re not, it just makes you feel more alone,” she said.
Larissa’s drive comes from her own experience as a single parent, often spending Christmas far from family.
“My youngest child and I spent most of our Christmases on our own,” she said.
“I’m away from a lot of family for different reasons, and I know that loneliness is quite prevalent in Australia.
“I wanted to especially reach out to other people who are away from family or who are spending Christmas alone, but I also want to reach everyone, no matter their circumstances.”
She said the first event saw a heartwarming response from the community.
“We only had a few people come last year, but so many reached out offering to help and donate that I had to decline a lot of offers or we would have had too much,” Larissa said.
“The community has been wonderful.”
Now outgrowing her dining room, she has moved to the spacious hall within the Flinders Child and Family Centre, accommodating up to 100 people.
With support from returning attendees, the lunch is shaping up to be bigger and more welcoming than ever.
“One of the people who came last year is helping me this year and another from last year who can’t come on the day this year has offered to pay for the hall hire,” she said.
“The others from last year I’ve been in touch with a little bit throughout the year, and hopefully they’ll return again.
“We’ve already had people interested in coming this year, so hopefully we’ll draw in even more, especially people who really would like to get out of the house.”
She said the menu would feature festive favourites such as turkey roast, charcoal chicken, pork, hearty potato bake, vegetables, and delicious desserts such as pudding and custard.
Beyond food, Larissa and her team are preparing a host of Christmas-themed activities.
“We’ll have biscuit decorating and plenty of crafts for families to enjoy,” she said.
“The Flinders centre has an outdoor area, so it will be really good for people who have kids as well.”
She said the goal was for everyone to feel included, regardless of their reason for wanting to join.
“Everyone is welcome, but especially if Christmas is a hard time for you or you are doing it tough, there’s no shame in that,” she said.
“Just don’t be shy. You’re not alone and you don’t have to feel that way.
“You don’t even have to have a reason if you feel you just want to come along.”
She said the event’s success leaned on the kindness of the Flinders community.
This year, Larissa hopes locals will help not just by donating, but by reaching out to those around them who might benefit most.
“The best way to help is to notice if you have a neighbour, friend or colleague who lives alone, or someone who seems to be struggling, and tell them about our event,” she said.
“If you spot a person in need, please point them our way.”
To be a guest or to support the lunch, contact Larissa via Facebook Messenger or text on 0478 229 948. Note: She isn’t always able to respond immediately.
