The Purcell family have been raised within an environment whereby each Christmas, guests would be invited to the dinner table.
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The family have also become accustomed to putting their own festive celebrations on hold in order to help others.
“That’s the way we’ve always been, and my kids have grown up with that,” Gerringong resident Margaret Purcell said.
“Now my grandchildren are growing up exactly the same. They’re learning what it’s like to have other people that are in need around them as well.”
Therefore, Warilla-based charity the Denny Foundation hopes to make a difficult time for those already experiencing hardship a little brighter this Christmas.
Mrs Purcell and husband John founded the not-for-profit organisation and named it after their youngest son, Dennis “Denny” Purcell.
Denny took his own life more than 15 years ago, aged 25, after battling chronic endogenous depression.
His parents then decided to assist those affected by poverty, mental illness, depression, drug and alcohol addiction and loss by suicide.
One of their primary events is the annual Christmas Day luncheon.
This luncheon is for families experiencing hardship, long-term illness, homelessness or those with no family to celebrate Christmas with.
About 65 people attended the inaugural luncheon in 2011.
This year, organisers plan to host up to 150 guests.
This year's event will take place at the Warilla-Barrack Point Surf Club from 10am.
It includes a meal, entertainment, door prize and every child under 12 receives a present.
“This year we’ve expanded into the schools and we’ve asked for four families that we can look after, so they can do Christmas at home instead of coming to ours,” Mrs Purcell said.
“We’ll be making up as many hampers as we can.
“Our hope is that we’ll have enough hampers so that every family unit (attending the lunch) will go away with a hamper on Christmas Day, as well as gifts.”
Organisers are seeking donations of items for the hampers, as well as presents to be distributed at the luncheon.
If you wish to donate, phone 4297 2220.
The foundation has recently expanded to include the ‘Superschool’ initiative, an after school learning program for disadvantaged children and those with learning difficulties.
The organisation has also conducted fundraising to assist the disadvantaged in Sri Lanka.
“All the volunteers feel very privileged at what we’ve done this year, with probably less finances that have come into the charity,” Mrs Purcell said.
“But the need is getting bigger, and so we’ve had to expand. We already need our fourth warehouse.”