IGA supports Vinnies at Christmas

Whilst the festive season is meant to be a joyful time for families, unfortunately for more people than ever this Christmas will be particularly challenging. This year Vinnies has supported more than 87,000 people, an increase of 18% from the previous year.

The huge increase in the number of families under stress includes many people seeking assistance from our members and services for the first time. The soaring cost-of-living has meant this emerging ‘working poor’ cohort are reaching out for assistance through necessity despite being in stable employment or on dual incomes. It has become a pressure point, with families unable to pay their bills, rent, put food on the table – let alone dream of buying gifts for their children or prepare a special Christmas meal this year.

As always, Vinnies, with support from IGA, will be there for thousands of Australians seeking assistance to pay their bills, rent, basic expenses, and keep food on the table.

IGA has been a national partner of Vinnies since 2012. Through the sales of IGA Community Chest products and Vinnies Appeal tokens, IGA has raised over $4.5 million to support people during the festive season and natural disasters. We are calling for your support to help raise funds for the surge of Australians doing it tough this Christmas, people who need a hand up to make ends meet.

Head into your local IGA this November and December to help locals in need by purchasing a $2 Vinnies bauble or any products with a Community Chest ticket.

Vinnies baubles will be on sale for $2 from 8 November to 25 December 2023, with all funds raised going directly to support people in need.

Plus, products marked with a Community Chest ticket will be available from 6 December to 26 December 2023 at IGA stores. You can help us raise even more money just by doing your grocery shop.

What does your support provide?

Funds raised from the sale of Vinnies baubles and products with a Community Chest ticket will be used to provide urgent relief for families who are struggling to survive the increasing cost-of-living-pressures this Christmas and prevent them from spiraling into homelessness. For the many Australians struggling to make ends meet, your support shows that we are all in this together.

• $46 can help provide food so families don’t go to bed hungry
• $64 can help a family with prescriptions and medical expenses
• $182 can help a family with an emergency bill payment
• $400 can provide rental support so a family doesn’t lose their home this Christmas.

IGA is a network of 1,400 independent family-owned businesses that sit at the heart of communities across Australia. Visit the IGA website to find your local store and thanks for your support in helping locals in need