Warragul Harness Racing Club will spread early Christmas cheer to some local disadvantaged families next weekend.
The club's Lend A Hand Christmas Lunch is being staged at the trots meeting on Sunday afternoon, December 24, with nominations currently being taken from members of the community who may know someone who has been doing it tough during 2017.
Those nominations, which can be made through the Warragul Trots website, will be offered a three-course meal and complimentary soft drink at the Christmas Eve race meeting.
The initiative, a first for the local trotting club, is being supported by the Victorian State Government's Victorian Racing Industry Fund, and Harness Racing Victoria.
WHRC Manager Tara Kiker confirmed that there are already over 60 people expected to participate in the lunch, with more names expected to be added to the list before the day.
The lunch will be held in the club's Dannys The Venue rooms, which will be decorated in a festive theme.
Several local charities are also working with the trots club to nominate locals that they know are in need, so as many as possible can enjoy the best Christmas they can.
All members of the public are welcome to attend the raceday itself, which will be a relaxed lead-in to the big Christmas occasion itself.
It is the first Christmas Eve trots meeting run at Warragul, and Santa will of course make an appearance, while he will also attend in a horse and cart and patrons will be able to have rides during the day.
A strong local race meeting will be conducted, and is expected to contain eight races.
Full TAB and bookmaker betting will be available on all local and interstate races, which will be telecast on the club's big screen.
The air-conditioned facilities also boast a full bistro restaurant and take away food for hungry punters.
Racing is expected to get underway at around 1:00pm.