Following a second successful year of the community Christmas Tree Competition held late last year, the stage is set for the festivities to become an annual event.

An idea dreamed up by Monterey Cafe proprietor Jenny Wilson following a visit to Glen Innes where she first spotted the concept, resulted in a display of a wide variety of magnificent of handmade creations submitted by local groups and individuals for the past two years.

The Christmas trees were on display for public viewing and donations, with votes submitted for favourite designs. Situated in the former Barrakets building donated by local business owners Catherine McDonald and Martin Browne, the displays were a welcome attraction for Christmas shoppers passing by.

But there is something much more significant behind the innovation, which is that monies collected during the event be donated to a local volunteer group, and who could be a more deserving recipient than the Narrabri Meals and Wheel organisation.

“I have always considered Narrabri Meals on Wheels is not just a meal,” said Jenny. “The volunteers who provide this service are offering so much more. It becomes a knock on the door with a welcoming smile and a friendly chat, something which some of our elderly residents may not see much of. It may be the only visit they receive all week.”

Meals on Wheel service coordinator Donna McMillan agreed with the sentiment and said, “We are so grateful to be the recipient of this donation, particularly to Jenny who was the brains behind the idea of the Christmas Tree Competition.

“Charity organisations such as Meals on Wheels could not function without their volunteers, which includes the formation of a committee who not only ensure the smooth running of the service but are also raising money with fundraisers of their own to assist with incidentals and running costs. Our next fundraiser will be a Mother’s Day raffle.

“Together with the committee and volunteers, I would like to acknowledge Jenny’s generosity with a big thank you, from all of us.”

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