That’s what Red Door Community Kitchen chairperson Sheree Gray exclaimed as their 2018 operations draw to a close.

Ms Gray said the organisation had provided more than 2700 meals since February at the weekly lunch and monthly family functions at the Uniting Church Hall in Muswellbrook. 

She added the group was now in a solid financial position after the first couple of years not knowing if they could pay for the next week’s meals.

“Everything the Red Door has achieved results from the wonderful support from the Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter community,” Ms Gray said.

“Many local businesses have provided invaluable financial support and local supermarkets have pitched in, giving supplies of food, fruit and vegetables.

“Both our bank account and our pantry are in good shape, so we have every confidence of being able to come back in February, well-rested and in a position to continue our services well into 2019.”

Donations of both product and cash have also come from many members of the general public. 

“With all the support from a wide cross section of the community, our committee and volunteers are re-energised to face the challenge in 2019,” Ms Gray said.

The Red Door Community Kitchen was initiated a few years ago by Upper Hunter Community Services with the aim of providing a nutritious meal to anyone in need at least once a week. 

The group is now a stand-alone incorporated charity.

The final free meal will be on Thursday, December 20, when the group will present its annual yummy Christmas lunch. 

As usual, it will be served between noon and 2pm – and everyone is welcome. 

“We don’t ask questions as to why people come to the lunch,” Ms Gray said.

“Some might come because they are hungry or have very little financial resources, others because they a looking for company - whatever the reason, everyone is welcome and especially to our Christmas lunch on Thursday, December 20.”

Meals will resume in February but they group will provide morning coffee throughout January starting the first Thursday in the New Year between 10am and noon.

The Red Door Community Kitchen recently hosted the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry monthly breakfast in December.

Ms Gray said it was an excellent opportunity to showcase the kitchen and to thank the many businesses who have supported the group over the years. 

“Our volunteers have earned a welcome rest over the Christmas period, too,” she explained.

“But, they will all be back in the New Year to get stuck in to it again for another year. 

“On behalf of the Red Door, we wish everyone a happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.

“May I also extend a great big thanks to all our local media - ABC Radio, 2NM, Power FM and the Muswellbrook Chronicle and Hunter Valley News.

“Getting the message out to our community is absolutely essential and our media has been wonderful helping in that regard.”