Vinnies’ School Essentials campaign returns to fight cost of living crisis

As the new school year approaches, many families in Tasmania are facing financial stress and the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) expects a peak in demand for emergency relief services across January and February this year.

With children going back to school in the coming weeks, more and more families are struggling with the cost of living and the Society is again seeking donations to its School Essentials Appeal through January and February.

Eric Welsh has been a Vinnies Emergency Relief volunteer for four years and said that based on what was experienced last year across the State, demand for assistance will only increase as back to school expenses rack up.

“Last year’s School Essentials Appeal played a crucial role in supporting the Society’s work across Tasmania for families with school age children,” he said.

“Not being able to afford these items is a stress on parents and carers and adds to the anxiety of starting school for young people.

“Some families will find a way to pay for these back to school items but choose not to eat, pay their rent or pay mounting bills. It is critical that we are there for these Tasmanians when they call on us.

“We can assist families with school supplies, provide food or vouchers to help take some financial strain off the household budget.”

St Vincent de Paul Society Chief Executive Officer Heather Kent said that it was a double whammy for the Society, with cost of living pressures impacting the amount raised for the 2024 Christmas Appeal while demand for services continue to rise.

“We know that there will be families that have financially struggled through Christmas only to be hit with the costs of getting their children back to school, which for many will see them need emergency assistance,” she said.

“School books, uniforms, school camps and excursions are all things we don’t want our children to miss out on, but it can be a bridge too far for many at this time of year.

“We are asking those who can, to help struggling Tasmanians families with the costs of returning to school and donate to our School Essentials Appeal.

“Together we can help ensure every child has the resources they need for a successful school year.”

To donate, please visit the Vinnies Tasmania website: https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-tas/school-essentials-appeal-tas or donate at a Vinnies Store or Vinnies office near you.

*Key Statistics:

In 2023, 84,000 households in Tasmania experienced food insecurity.

This number represents 18,000 more households than 2022 that are struggling to put food on the table.

The number one reason households in Tasmania struggle to meet their food needs is the cost-of-living crisis (87 per cent).

Thirty three per cent of food insecure households in Tasmania have mortgages.

(*Source – Foodbank Hunger Report – 2023)