Too many Christmas leftovers each year? Feeling a bit isolated over the festive season?
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When Federation Toastmasters’ Susan Butterfield and partner Peter Van Schaik realised it would be just the two of them for Christmas after family members made other plans, they toyed with the idea of inviting others into their home to share a festive meal.
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Susan said that idea percolated for a while as she realised there may be many other potential hosts and guests around Tenterfield who would relish the chance to be connected. She launched the initiative as a Toastmasters’ project, but participants have to register by Monday, December 10 to be matched up.
The project is for anyone who might be feeling a bit down, or with generosity to share, who would like to sit down to a meal with new friends and have a bit of fun.
So far there are more hosts registered than guests, so Susan is encouraging people to put aside any shyness or trepidation over the prospect, and give these hosts an opportunity to entertain them.
And the get-together doesn’t have to be on Christmas Day, as the day itself can bring up issues for some people. The meal can happen anytime from Christmas to New Year.
“It’s about getting together for a nice meal,” Susan said.
She said farmers, for instance, might be looking for a distraction from their drought concerns.
“Who knows, if could be the start of new lifelong friendships.”
Give Susan a call on (02) 6736 3363 or 0409 609 765 to register as a host or as a guest. Local church leaders and The Hub are also taking registrations, and they will meet with Susan on Tuesday to match up hosts and guests.