Help ease the cost of living this Christmas

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is calling on the community to show compassion to those bearing the brunt of cost of living pressures by making a donation to the annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal.

A growing number of people have sought assistance in recent months, including many for the first time and people in employment, due to inflationary pressures and an unaffordable housing market.

“The circumstances that have led to the current cost of living crisis may be beyond the control of any one person or government, but the real-time consequences are having dramatic effects on thousands of individuals and families right now,” said Jack de Groot, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

“Everyone is being impacted by the surging cost of food, electricity, petrol and housing, yet no one can go without these essentials, which is what the most vulnerable members of our community are being confronted with every day.

“The money raised through the Vinnies Christmas Appeal will be used to ensure people don’t have to skip meals, can remain in their homes and be able to respond in the event of unexpected expenses.”

Over the past year, 34,000 people across NSW sought assistance from members of the St Vincent de Paul Society; four-in-five people did not have enough food to get by, while more than half were facing housing stress.

“Every day our members and staff encounter stories of people unable to look beyond one day at a time because of the financial pressures they are facing,” said Paul Burton, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

“We are able to assist with food, household bills and expenses, but more than that, we strive to make people feel seen, heard, and not alone in the problems they are facing.

“A fundamental part of the Christmas story is refuge and support being provided in a time of need; we hope to continue on that spirit through the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.”

Donations can be made at www.vinnies.org.au, calling 13 18 12 and at all Vinnies Shops. Donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

“We understand that times are tough, so if you are in a position where you can make a donation to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, you can rest assured that it will be used to give people certainty in a time of need,” said Mr de Groot.

“The demand for assistance is always strong during the festive season and we want to ensure that we have the resources in place to meet the need,” said Mr de Groot.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430