Christmas volunteering Lee-Anne Cameron spent Christmas day volunteering at the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) in Surry Hills; this was her experience: I was a newcomer to the MAC this year having spent last Christmas with 'A Woman's Place'. I arrived to a beautiful smile from staff as I entered the building. MAC staff (Priscilla and Paddy) were already hard at work in the kitchen, chopping up some fruit. I immediately felt at home due to their warmth and kindness. You never know what to expect when you start a new volunteering role, especially on Christmas day. Priscilla explained that there would be two-to-three of us on each floor and Paddy described what the role involved and the purpose of the MAC. I was immediately taken with how organised and professional everything was and that these were very large-hearted people I was to spend the day with. We were on the top level and although we only had one in-house resident for lunch, we all made it as enjoyable as possible. Volunteer people are like that I find - happy to make the best out of every situation. We set up the table and enjoyed a mouth-watering meal with a beautiful view. Our resident started to open up a little and feel comfortable with us. We all shared a little of our lives and reasons why we were at the MAC on Christmas day. I left with the feeling I had brought some happiness and pleasure into someone's day - and for me that's what it's all about. I would love to 'Do the MAC' again next year as I found it very rewarding and enjoyable.