Vinnies SA launches Christmas Appeal amidst cost-of-living crisis

Amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the St Vincent de Paul Society I South Australia (Vinnies SA) has launched its annual Christmas Appeal, asking people to dig deep and make a generous donation.

As with each Christmas period, Vinnies is expecting an increase in the number of people turning to them for assistance. At what should be a time of joy and celebration, far too many Australians face the prospect of a bleak Christmas as they struggle to pay their bills and provide the basics for their family, let alone cope with the extra costs associated with Christmas.

Vinnies SA CEO, Evelyn O’Loughlin, says that there are many reasons for giving back, but the crucial thing is that Australians continue to support those people who are doing it tough.

‘Australians are characterised by being generous and lending a helping hand to people who are struggling or in a vulnerable position,’ Ms O’Loughlin said.

‘The reality is that without the support of the community, we would not be able to assist the families and individuals who turn to us each Christmas.

‘The simple truth is that we need those people who can afford it to dig deep and donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.’

Funds raised from the Vinnies Christmas Appeal will enable volunteers to distribute food hampers, financial and material relief to struggling households over Christmas and into the new year. Across the state, the organisation anticipates that close to 3,000 hampers will be distributed in the lead-up to Christmas, as food insecurity becomes a growing and concerning issue.

‘The recently-released Foodbank Hunger Report highlights just how many households are experiencing food insecurity as increasing grocery, energy and housing costs means that in many cases there simply isn’t enough money left over to put food on the table,’ said Ms O’Loughlin.

‘Numbers at our Fred’s Van meal service are growing, and we continue to see more people contacting us for help for the very first time - including people in employment - which is also a worrying trend.’

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

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Media contact:

Jo Dinnison ph 0419 940 721 or email media@svdpsa.org.au