The team at the ASM Global managed Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is preparing to host what will be the Centre’s 12th Annual Salvation Army Christmas Lunch after the event was paused during COVID.
The event, a much-anticipated highlight on the calendar for both BCEC staff and the Salvos, will see some 400 children and adults from the organisation’s homeless services in Brisbane and surrounding regional areas, attend the event on Saturday December 17.
The annual Christmas lunch coincides with the ASM Global Month of Giving, an inaugural initiative for ASM Global venues worldwide to give back and engage in local community initiatives.
The Salvation Army’s Simon Gregory welcomed the return of the lunch to the Centre’s annual calendar of events, describing it as a wonderful opportunity to once again share the spirit of the festive season with some of those who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness this Christmas.
“We are already seeing an increase in demand for support this year and there is concern that demand will increase further as we head into 2023.
“We fear there will be significant hardship felt by many in our community for the very first time in their lives, as those who took advantage of lower interest rates at the start of COVID begin to feel the impact of recent back-to-back significant hikes in interest rates.”
Following one of the Centre’s busiest ever periods, the team is looking forward to pitching in with the help of many of the Centre’s long-term suppliers to deliver an experience to remember for these very special guests. Centre Chefs and 30 staff volunteers from across all operational areas of the Centre, including members of the Executive Team, will prepare and serve the meals and assist with the staging of the event.
Our Month of Giving also saw the Centre host the Special Children’s Christmas Party for 2,500 children with special needs on December 10, an annual event which BCEC has supported for 26 years.
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre General Manager, Kym Guesdon said the Centre is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community and continues to aspire to creating a positive impact wherever possible. “We are proud once more to be partnering with The Salvation Army, the Special Children’s Christmas Party and other organisations, helping to spread a little joy and sharing some Christmas spirit with those doing it tough at this time of year,” she said.
