Mayflower’s Inaugural Community Christmas Celebration

This year, Mayflower proudly hosted its very first Community Christmas Celebration in the picturesque gardens of Mayflower Brighton. It was a classy and joyous evening, bringing the entire Mayflower community together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

The celebration welcomed residential and retirement living residents, Home Care clients, team members, board members, their families, and local organisations, including students from Brighton Secondary College. It was a wonderful opportunity to mark the Christmas season while fostering connections across the broader Mayflower community.

Mayflower CEO, Stuart Rodney, welcomed everyone with a heartfelt message about the importance of community and connection during the Christmas season, and shared about our current fundraiser – a raffle to raise much-needed funds for a mini-bus. Stuart spent time recognising our team’s efforts, and shared this celebration was more than just an event - it was a testament to the strong bonds within the Mayflower Community.

Guests were delighted by an evening of Christmas-themed entertainment. Luella greeted attendees with her captivating cello music and singing, setting a warm and inviting tone. Rowena, Mayflower Brighton’s Care Manager, surprised everyone with a lovely vocal performance, followed by Matt Callan’s heartfelt renditions of classic Christmas songs. The students from Brighton Secondary College captivated the audience with their impressive singing and dancing, delivering a standout performance of "Baby It's Cold Outside." Their rendition beautifully echoed Dean Martin's classic version of this beloved song by Frank Loesser, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm for the Christmas season.

The evening concluded with a stunning performance by soprano opera singer Isabel Hart, leaving everyone in awe and in complete silence. The night's MC, Genevieve, was even left speechless.

Children enjoyed a host of Christmas activities, from decorating gingerbread men to writing letters to Santa, playing jumbo games, incredible face painting, and delighted in watching magic tricks and balloon art with a lively roaming elf. Santa made a grand entrance on his Santa Segsleigh - a whimsical blend of a Segway and sleigh! Guests had the opportunity to have complimentary professional photos with Santa, and relished the opportunity to hop on his lap and give him their Christmas wish-list. As a special memento of the evening, children of all ages received charming decorative Christmas pens, ensuring they would remember this magical celebration for years to come.

The gardens were elegantly decorated with fairy lights, white tables, Christmas trees, and snow and bubble machines that created a charming holiday setting. Guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres, with the sausage sizzle prepared by retirement living residents being a standout favourite.

The Christmas raffle display attracted much attention, with many attendees purchasing tickets to support the cause. As a not-for-profit organisation, Mayflower relies on the generosity of its community to deliver meaningful activities and initiatives. The raffle proceeds will contribute to purchasing a much-needed new mini-bus, helping to enhance the lives of residents living at Mayflower.

Mayflower look forward to many more Christmas celebrations and special events that bring joy, connection, and shared memories to residents, clients, families, and friends in the years ahead.

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