Vinnies Christmas Appeal Launch 2022

Help families survive the cost-of-living crisis.

“When I opened our electricity bill, I fell to my knees; it was more than $300. The room was spinning. How? There is no way we could pay this.”

Kelly* and her husband are one of the many low-earning Australian families who are doing their best to care for their two teenage daughters, but because of the sudden rise of costs of necessities, they are finding it difficult to survive.

“The bills now have gone up so much. We’re doing everything we can, from not using lights, taking the shortest possible showers, and eating only pasta because it’s cheap, but nothing ever seems to be enough.”

Despite cutting back, Kelly’s family simply did not have enough money to get by. Every bill adds another pressure, bringing them closer to losing their home altogether.

The significant increase in the cost of essential goods and services such as fuel, rent, electricity, medical bills and education has hit low-income households hardest. Especially in ACT, the cost-of-living pressure for these necessities have skyrocketed.

Lucy Hohnen, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn (SVDP-CG) said, “We have seen a 15% increase in calls to our helpline seeking requests for money for fuel costs, medical bills and rent. We have also seen an Increase in the number of calls from people seeking help to find a place to rent. We are also hearing from people deferring paying for medication because they can’t make ends meet.”

“Can you imagine the emotional stress which these families are experiencing, while struggling to choose between putting food on the table or buying Christmas gifts for their families? With the launch of this year’s Christmas Appeal, aiming to help those families in the ACT & surrounds to have a joyful Christmas, said Lucy.

The funds raised this Christmas will be used to provide urgent and practical support to families who are struggling to survive this cost-of-living crisis.

“Thanks to Vinnies, we have support, which gives us hope but we know there are so many families even worse off than us. I hope everyone can enjoy Christmas without worrying about bills and knowing they can stay in their homes. Everyone deserves some joy at Christmas.”, said Kelly.

Last Christmas Vinnies volunteers were able to provide emergency assistance with food, petrol, clothes, medicine, rent and other essentials worth approximately $500,000 to families in ACT & surrounds through our emergency relief helpline. This was only possible because of the generosity of our community.  We’re asking the Canberra region to support us again this year which will enable us to continue this crucial support for those in need.

Please show your support this Christmas and help families get the relief they need right now.

To donate, please call on 13 18 12 or visit: www.vinnies.org.au 

Interviews available: 

- Lucy Hohnen - CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn

- Phillip Jones - Director of Marketing, Fundraising and Communications 

Media contact: Nikita Nair nikita.nair@vinnies.org.au or 0410 359 420

*We use a different name to protect the privacy of the people we support.