Vinnies Christmas Appeal to alleviate cost of living hardship

New research conducted by YouGov for the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has found that more than two-thirds (68%) of Australians are worried that festive season expenses will put a strain on their finances. 

The research also found nearly three in five (58%) Australians are concerned about being able to afford food and essentials for the festive season, while 62% feel stressed about being able to buy gifts for family and friends. 

With Christmas just weeks away, the annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal is calling on the community to help address the ongoing hardship felt across the state. 

Figures recorded by the Society NSW show that many of the people being assisted turned to the charity during the last Christmas season, between November 2023 and January 2024.  

Close to 100,000 people were supported by Society NSW members over the last year, increasing by 14% from the previous 12 months. A third of all people reaching out for support did so for the first time over the last year. 

“The Vinnies Christmas Appeal plays a critical role in ensuring our members and services are able to meet the need for assistance present in the community at a time when inequality is growing,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO. 

“People are experiencing real economic pain. Every time they go to the supermarket, they see what they can put in their shopping basket get smaller, while at the same time prices are continually rising.  

“The amount of financial and material assistance our members provide to households has risen to $330 on average, increasing by $100 since the start of the decade. 

“This is a concern for society as a whole and I worry that as bleak as the cost of living crisis has been in recent years, we may not have hit rock bottom yet,” said Ms Saiz. 

Funds raised from the Vinnies Christmas Appeal will enable the Society’s members to distribute vital assistance through food, clothing, household expenses, accommodation and much more. 

“The Christmas season is a celebration of love, giving and shared humanity. It is also the busiest period for our members and services as families strive to manage competing expenses of housing and everyday living,” said Peter Houweling, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President. 

“Our members are seeing people who are faced with the reality of ever increasing rent costs and the rise in the weekly cost of living. We understand it is a difficult time for everyone.  

“We ask that those who can, give generously to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal this season to support and bring comfort to the most vulnerable in our community. It is with this act of giving, that we all reaffirm our shared commitment to care for one another, reflecting the true meaning of Christmas,” said Mr Houweling. 

To donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.