A Christmas Day Story

Christmas Day was a sobering and humbling experience this year. It was the first time that Franklin Family Support and Lone Star joined together to put on a Christmas lunch for just over 120 guests who would have otherwise been alone or were families having a bit of a tough time.

Alofa Glas and Jason Goodall are business award winners and the owners of the Lone Star in Pukekohe. Their family decided to do something for other people this Christmas.  Many of their suppliers and friends got behind their idea, and this year a restaurant Christmas lunch experience was provided for many who would not otherwise have had the opportunity.

Their extended family started work at 6am and produced a great event, also providing the entertainment.

The FFSS project Manager Bonnie Reid sent invitations to people, followed up and where necessary arranged volunteers to provide transport. We began welcoming guests at 11.00am with lunch served at midday.

Just as we were about to start one of the family told me a lady had rushed out and seemed quite upset. I caught up with the guest crying in the car park. I just stood with them for a bit and was told that they couldn’t cope. They were on their own, the last member of their family alive, having just lost the sister not long before Christmas and their parents before last Christmas.

They were dreading being on their own and were overwhelmed by the happy families.

We talked a while and I asked if they would be happy sitting with someone who would look after them. They weren’t sure and were still very upset. I went in to make the arrangements and whilst explaining to Bonnie became a bit emotionally overwhelmed myself. Anyway I got the story out and we arranged for another of our team to look after the guest. They agreed to come back in with me, and I held her hand whilst we walked through all the people to Yvonne who with her husband took the guest under their wing.

Before dessert Father Christmas arrived in a fire engine with lights, siren and claxon. Well you couldn’t have turned kids on faster, like supercharged energiser bunnies! Through the generosity of donors, every child got an appropriate gift and had their photo taken with a great Santa. The delight was truly heart-warming.

Some of the guests shared their stories with volunteers as they expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to join us for Christmas lunch.

Later on I saw the guest I mentioned earlier outside again so we had a chat. They were so afraid of being alone and thought next year they might become a volunteer after experiencing first-hand what so many volunteers were doing that day. We talked about that and I offered some ideas and invited them to come by in the New Year.

Rhys Coffin from We Love Pukekohe came by and interviewed some of the guests. He was touched by their stories and got permission from some to relate them on the site. Andrew Bayly, our local MP came by and spent a lot of time meeting guests and talking with them.

After the guests were farewelled and the restaurant was cleared and cleaned, the family and volunteers still there sat down to have lunch on leftovers. They were all pleased how well the event had gone. Many were emotionally exhausted, realising how life really was for many people.

What a day. We came home and just collapsed, overwhelmed by the whole thing really. The generosity of those who provided supplies and presents for the children; the family for their hard work providing the event; the volunteers who helped provide for so many guests. And the guests themselves who were so appreciative.

All in all a special day.