On a mission to spread Xmas cheer

Neighbours were loved, masses fed and Christmas celebrated at the Auckland Town Hall yesterday.

About 1200 people, including 600 children, gathered for the Auckland City Mission annual Christmas lunch, bringing together the young, the old and the homeless. Diners packed every corner of the Town Hall and were entertained by musician Graham Brazier, clowns and magicians.

The 400 Mission volunteers served the group 200kg of ham, 200kg of roast turkey, 250kg of roast potatoes, 2209kg of kumara, beans and carrots. About 600 children each received a present.

The lunch was served on a plate made of potato starch. It could also be eaten and had an estimated three-hour gravy soak-life before it became unuseable, said Bishop of Auckland John Paterson.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY