For 54 locals doing it tough, Christmas was made extra special thanks to the generosity of one Cobram cafe owner and her staff.
As people planned festivities and Christmas lunches, Ambience Bakery Cafe owner Renee Lincoln knew that some would be left out of the festive cheer.
So, using her cafe facilities Ms Lincoln and her staff cooked 54 two-course Christmas meals to give to those who would otherwise be alone or couldn’t afford to eat something special.
“No-one should be alone and left out on Christmas,” Ms Lincoln said.
The meals comprised a roast meat medley of roast ham, chicken and pork, with puddings for dessert.
According to Ms Lincoln, preparing the meals was a two-day process.
“I started cooking it on Saturday, December 23, and finished on Sunday, December 24,” she said.
People could either walk in to receive the meals or have them delivered. There was also the option for members of the public to nominate people who would otherwise not put their hand up.
Of the 54 meals made, Ms Lincoln delivered 75 per cent of them due to recipients wishing to remain anonymous.
According to Ms Lincoln, recipients of the free meals were incredibly appreciative of the gesture.
When asked whether she planned to do the same thing again in 2024, Ms Lincoln said she would.
“I’ll do it every year now, I think. Start a tradition,” she said.
As for the next big thing coming from Ambience Bakery Cafe, Ms Lincoln said she might do something special at Easter.