Shirley Wehbe, a pillar of the Lebanese and Catholic community of Parramatta, and the wife of the late Parramatta icon Ray Wehbe, is bringing back the annual Parramatta Christmas Day brunch for the homeless with the Making a Difference for Christmas Committee.
The event began in 2001 when Shirley and Ray, long-term parishioners of St Patrick’s Cathedral and Our Lady of Lebanon, felt that their family always had a big Christmas lunch with so much food, and knew that many people were lonely and hungry on Christmas Day.
So they approached Parramatta City Council to use the Town Hall and help put on the event, which over the years attracted more than 500 people. It became an annual highlight – not just for those who were struggling but for the volunteers.
“One year, an elderly lady came to the lunch. She was listening to the radio when there was an announcement about the event. She usually spent Christmas Day with her niece, but that year her niece couldn’t make it. She didn’t want to be alone on Christmas, so she got dressed up and came along,” said Shirley.
“She couldn’t stop hugging me because she was so grateful to be here with other people,” she said.
A media article from the first Christmas brunch in 2001. Image: supplied
As Shirley states, “Christmas Day can be the loneliest day of all”, so this is a great way to be with other people and give back.
And Shirley and the organisers have thought about all people when putting on the event – from the food to the festivities and gifts, and also the volunteers.
“We decided to do a brunch so that for those people volunteering, they could get back to their families for Christmas lunch.”
Leaving a social legacy
This isn’t the only event that Shirley and Ray have created; the couple are well known for their philanthropy.
When a family member was diagnosed with cancer, Shirley wanted to help. So she started running the Cancer Council’s “Biggest Morning Tea” in her home.
“I didn’t know how to help, but if we could help research [into the disease] that’s the best thing we can do.”
This year, Shirley and her family raised more than $30,000 for the Biggest Morning Tea.
Shirley and Ray have also donated to numerous charities and even helped donate one of the altars at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
As Shirley humbly states, “my husband Ray was the backbone of everything”. But Shirley has been devoting her life to service. She was a Catechist at St Patrick’s Cathedral for more than 38 years helping children learn more about God and faith.
The new Making a Difference for Christmas Committee. Image: supplied
A new chapter for the Christmas brunch
After a six-year hiatus, the Christmas brunch is back on. The last event was in 2018 as the hall was under construction. This was followed by the COVID years and the sad passing of Ray in 2020.
Shirley had to form a new steering Committee that is a mix of the “old and new”, and the organising is a little different, thanks to the help of generous major sponsors – City of Parramatta Council and Walker Corporation.
When asked how she’s feeling about the event, the first since the death of Ray, Shirley has mixed emotions.
“I don’t know how I’ll feel [on the day], but being with other people and helping people is a very good recipe to end the year.”
A promise of fun, friendship, and festive food
The brunch will include all the usual Christmas favourites – delicious, Christmas carols, gifts and a visit from Santa.
The Making a Difference Organising Committee is asking everyone to invite anyone they know who is struggling or lonely to join them on the day.
If anyone would like to volunteer on the day or join the committee please get in touch with Shirley on 0409 330 028.
The event will be held from 10.30am – 1pm on Christmas Day at Parramatta Town Hall.
