Media Releases

Media Releases

5 December , 2011

KingsWayside's new home welcomes the spirit of Christmas

The Wayside Chapel’s renovations have paved the way for an even bigger celebration at this year’s Christmas Day Street Party.
On 25 December hundreds of people, some of whom are homeless and many of whom are disadvantaged, will unite for a Christmas lunch, hosted by over 200 volunteers.

The festivities will take place on Hughes Street in Potts Point, where everyone in the community is encouraged to join in the celebration.

Pastor and CEO of The Wayside Chapel, Reverend Graham Long, says that despite the hardships that many people face day-to-day, Christmas is a time for giving, sharing and supporting one another.

“The Christmas Day Street Party is our largest community event of the year, and we are thrilled to share our newly renovated home with the community this Christmas”, says Rev. Long.

Wayside’s longest-serving volunteer, Chantal Denis, who has been involved in 22 Christmas Day Street Parties, says she can’t imagine a Christmas without Wayside.

“Wayside is my family. There is a great sense of humanity at our street party and you can really feel the atmosphere of joy and happiness.”

For Chantal, the most meaningful part of the day is handing out the gifts. “Last year, I gave a Woolworths gift card to a Wayside visitor and he asked me what to do with it”, Chantal recalls. “I explained to him that he could do his grocery shopping. His whole face lit up and he thanked me over and over again.”

“Giving out the gifts makes me so happy because it makes others happy. Wayside has truly been a blessing for me.”

Hughes Street, home to the Chapel, will be cordoned off on Christmas Day to host a Christmas breakfast, an outdoor Christmas Day service and a sit-down Christmas lunch for the guests. Santa will also be making an appearance, and there will be singing, dancing and food for everyone.

Rev Long believes the event is about community spirit and making sure no one is left alone on Christmas.

“Wayside is about bringing people together and welcoming those from all walks of life with open arms. At Wayside, our door is always open.”

The Wayside Chapel has provided care and support for people on and around the streets of Kings Cross for over 40 years.

“It is important, particularly during this time of the year, that people feel that they have a place to seek comfort and a sense of community,” Rev Long says.

Wayside relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to donate their time and materials in the lead up to the event.

For further media information please contact:

Laura Watts, The Wayside Chapel
laura.watts@thewaysidechapel.com
02 9581 9108 / 0406 173 004


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The Wayside Chapel has provided unconditional love, care and support for people on and around the streets of Kings Cross since 1964. Today, under the banner of Love over Hate, Wayside runs a community services centre, youth space and outreach service, mental health program, community café, and Indigenous women’s program; programs and services designed to ensure that the most marginalised members of our community have access to essential health, welfare, social and recreational services, as well as offering a place where people are welcome just to ‘be’.

 

  

 

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