A crowd of more than 400 visitors filled The Rise recreation centre in Maylands on Saturday, 13 December for the 2014 Shopfront Christmas party.
Guests were invited to share an appetising meal together, served by the numerous friendly Shopfront volunteers, to the tune of live Christmas carols played by a remarkably talented band.
One of the guests, Brian Gooley, was particularly grateful for the work that Shopfront does, stating that “it is amazing to be part of all this”.
“I am immensely enjoying the event and, to be honest, it feels like family,” Mr Gooley said. “This is a terrific resource which has offered me support when I had difficulties with my housing.”
After lunch, the arrival of Santa Claus was announced to the delight of expectant guests, particularly the children.
Santa Claus arrived and handed out various bags of gifts to all those present, giving guests the opportunity to sit on his lap, take photos and for those who wished to do so, exchange a few words. Individuals from the local community, businesses and schools donate gifts and food, as well as their time, to help on this day.
The role and function of Shopfront WA, an agency of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Western Australia, is to relieve poverty and suffering in an environment that offers practical assistance, fellowship and hospitality.
It is a service run predominantly by a team of volunteers who offer assistance in a friendly, non-bureaucratic manner.
The organisation was founded in 2001 by Catholic Pastoral Centre Manager, Julie Williams, with the support of Archbishop Hickey, in recognition of the growing needs of the most vulnerable living in the inner city.
The effort that went into the organisation of the Christmas party reflects both the devotion of the staff and the altruistic nature of the organisation.
As Christmas approaches and people prepare to give gifts to loved ones, Shopfront’s charitable initiatives and generosity towards the greater community stand as a true example of Christ’s love to the neediest.