FIFTY people have already booked in for Friday’s Christmas lunch at the volunteer-run Community Cafe in Altona Meadows.
Laverton Community Integrated Services hosts lunch every Friday at Altona Meadows Community Centre in Trafalgar Avenue.
Volunteer co-ordinator Robert Saliba says about 60 people attended last Friday’s first Christmas meal.
“The volunteer-run cafe has been operating every Friday this year and we’ve had up to 40 people some Fridays,” he said.
“Besides getting a nutritious three-course meal for $5 — for those on a pension or Health Care card— people can socialise and it’s a great volunteering opportunity.”
Since 2005, the cafe has helped disadvantaged or isolated people in Laverton and Altona Meadows.
Next year, the program will expand to provide lunch on Wednesdays at the Laverton Community Hub in Railway Avenue.
“This is the location [where] it all started, at the previous facility [at Railway Avenue],” Mr Saliba said.
The Yarraville Foodbank and Second Bite in South Kensington donate food.
Lunch is held at noon and bookings are required by ringing 9369 4866.
