The Lighthouse is running its Blue Tree initiative for the fourth time this year so members of the community can shout a dinner for a guest at Lighthouse Community Kitchen this Christmas. As part of the initiative blue trees are popping up in businesses, cafes and schools inviting people to purchase an ornament for $20 to help give someone an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Mr Bartlett is also the Illawarra Hawks chaplain and is expecting 250 guests to come to the annual Community Kitchen Christmas Party on Thursday where the basketball players will help cook up a storm with Mr Anderson, of Bill & James, Balgownie. “Both the Hawks and Aaron have been huge supporters of this initiative this year”.

“To shout a dinner, blue tree locations can be found at Buck Hamblin, Station Square Brewers, Milk & Co, Lechappe Cycle Cafe, Superior Meats Shellharbour, Cedars Christian College, Kiama Farmers Markets (Hashtag Granola stall) and all Lighthouse locations”.

Mr Bartlett said it was important to share some of the spirit of giving by helping families who might be doing it a bit tough, lonely, homeless or just can't afford to put dinner on the table every night for the family.

He said the initiative has already dished up over 4000 meals this year.

Each meal represents more than just a person fed,” he said.

“It also represents a connection made, a greater sense of belonging for people in this community. Lighthouse Community Kitchen has a vision to not just feed people but to get to know them. We create an experience every Thursday night with a pop-up-restaurant, a two course meal free of charge served by volunteers who wait on our guests. We love to bring dignity and honour to people.”