Christmas movie connects community

A special screening of Christmas movie Elf will hit the screen at Sound City Church on Saturday, December 14 in an effort to combat loneliness and bring the community together for festive season.

The free event funded by Passionate Lives will kick off at 4pm with live entertainment, Christmas karaoke and a visit from Santa and his helpers. Guests are also encouraged to don their best fancy dress with prizes up for grabs for best dressed.

The 2003 Christmas movie starring Will Ferrell and James Caan follows Buddy’s journey from the North Pole to find his real Dad after he learns he was adopted by elves.

The special screening is being held in response to feedback given at the launch of the Rockingham Alliance Against Depression group earlier this year, which saw more than 90 residents and service providers come together in a bid to reduce mental illness in Rockingham.

Passionate Lives spokesman and mental health awareness trainer Trys Reddick said many attendees at the launch highlighted the need for more community events.

“Many people believed that social isolation was a big factor in an increase in mental health issues and so offering free events like this one can be a big help in combatting loneliness and social withdrawal, particularly at this time of year,” he said.

“So far we’ve had a lot of interest in the screening and we hope we’ll get a good crowd on the day and it will be a lot of fun”.

The entertainment kicks off at Sound City Church at 5 McCamey Ave in East Rockingham from 4pm with the movie screening at 5.30pm. A sausage sizzle will also be available.

For more information on the screening or if you want to volunteer visit passionatelives.com.au or 0467 771 416.