Gerald Lynch
The Salvation Army has launched its annual Christmas Appeal in Brimbank, allowing the Salvos to help those in the local community who are struggling during the Christmas season.
The cost-of-living crisis has been intensifying, with more Australians reaching out to The Salvation Army for support.
This means that The Salvos’ Christmas Appeal is vitally important this year, as its aim to raise $27 million nationally.
The launch coincides with new research by The Salvos, which found over 15.3 million Australians (72 per cent) will be more mindful of their spending this Christmas compared to previous years, and over 4 in 10 (42 per cent) will have their Christmas negatively impacted this year because of the cost of living.
Further, almost half of Australians (48 per cent) will buy less presents for their children and loved ones, and an alarming 11.9 million people (56 per cent) will spend less on food this Christmas.
Sunshine Salvos Captain Colin Reynolds said there are many ways that you can partner with The Salvos to support your community this Christmas, including lending a hand, donating products such as gifts and food, or offering a financial donation to the Christmas Appeal.
“People are encouraged to donate food to us, non perishable type foods… pasta, rice, long life milk, tinned foods,” he said.
“We also have a huge Christmas Day lunch for the community where we put on a free sit down meal, and we can always use more volunteers for that.”
The Salvation Army’s communications manager Major Warren Elliot said Christmas is their busiest time of year.
“For many, celebrating Christmas might seem out of reach due to the rising cost of living, with some on the brink of homelessness and others fighting to pay the bills. The Salvation Army want to be there to support those in need this Christmas and give people the Christmas they deserve,” he said.
“The Salvos are looking to give a new beginning to those doing it tough in our community this Christmas, but we can’t do that without the generosity and support of others. It is now such an important time to come together as the North West Melbourne community and lend a hand to those in need of support. Please consider supporting The Salvos this Christmas.”
If you need support from The Salvos, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store, and The Salvation Army Sunshine Corps are located at 42 Devonshire Road.
