SALVATION Army Capt Mitchell Stevens says there are so many people doing it tough in Canberra in the lead-up to Christmas. 

“It gives me joy to help others, but also a bit of compassion to the fact that there are so many people doing it tough at the moment, and more people than I see,” he says.

“People that are living off Centrelink payments, having the extra bills for Christmas, they’re not getting any extra money to help pay for that.

“Christmas can be a hard time for many people, maybe you’ve lost a family member this year, perhaps you’re homeless. 

“For others it might be a time of joy and happiness and fun with family, but for those that find it hard, we’re always here for you.

“Not everybody asks for help when they need it, I would love anybody that needs help to be open, to come to us, to ask for it.

“Whether it’s just for a hot meal in a hard time, or to find some Christmas joy, or whether it’s to make some friends and have a regular community outing.

People from all walks of life are welcome, says Mitchell, especially to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Eve celebrations, which start with carols at 4pm. 

“We’re also going to have a nice family-friendly barbecue dinner with lots of yummy meats, salads and desserts for everyone,” he says.

Mitchell says usually 50 to 100 people are expected to attend, but more people may come this year.

“We don’t need people to RSVP, we just allow people to come along,” he says.

“I think, with the cost of living, everything’s going up at the moment. Some people will have experienced this before, for others it might be the first time and they may feel like they need to come to such an event to experience a nice, hot and free dinner.

“I know for my family, the food prices for three boys is enormously expensive.”

Mitchell says it’s a safe and welcoming environment, and there is absolutely no shame in coming along.

“We even have some people who just come for the community aspect, to feel a sense of Christmas joy,” he says.

“I think one of the biggest social problems in Australia, probably the western world, is loneliness.

“We have lots of people that come along just for the meal, but a lot of people come to spend time with other people, get to know people, and make friends.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, December 22, the Salvation Army at Braddon will be giving out fresh food, vegetables, bread and some frozen meals.

“We do that every Monday and Friday of the year, but this is going to be a special one for Christmas, with extras for people to bring home,” he says.

“It runs from 10am to 2pm, with lunch provided at 12pm.”

Mitchell, 34, of Ainslie, says his favourite aspect of Christmas is community.

“I have worked with the Salvation Army for about 15 years,” he says.

“Since January, I have been working at Canberra Recovery Services, and I’ve been working at the Braddon Salvation Army since 2019 as well.

“I grew up in the Salvation Army, my parents worked for the Salvation Army. I spent three years in Vancouver working in homelessness and addiction, and I got a passion to continue, making it a long-term career, helping marginalised people to get their lives back on track and experience life to the fullest extent.

“My boys have got some interest too, helping with barbecues especially in the school holidays, and tea or coffee on community days.”

The Salvation Army Braddon, 6 Fawkner Street.