HUNDREDS of Brimbank’s most vulnerable residents may have to go without presents and food this Christmas because of a major shortage of donations.
People willing to donate money, food or gifts are being urged to do so as Foodbank Australia research shows a quarter of the state’s welfare agencies are turning people away because they have run out of supplies.
John Webster, chief executive of the western suburbs-based charity, said it wasn’t just the homeless who were in need of food — low-income families were now the largest group seeking support.
He said nine in 10 agencies didn’t have enough food to meet demand.
Three national surveys in the past few months confirm the problem is growing at an alarming rate.
Sunshine Salvation Army Westcare recruitment and training co-ordinator Gail Walton said Brimbank families were struggling more than ever this year.
She said food parcels were smaller in size to cater for growing demand.
“Difficult economic times mean welfare agencies are in dire straits this year because donations are lower than usual,” she said.
“While we always get an abundance of presents through the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal for young children, there is always a shortage of gifts for older children.”
Ms Walton said Westcare relied on the support of people like an 82-year-old Sunshine resident who purchases $1000 worth of gifts for children each year. Another elderly resident knits 20 dolls a month for children in need.
Anglicare Victoria’s cupboards are almost bare as it is swamped by a surge in demand for emergency relief amid a sharp drop in donations of non-perishable food. CEO Paul McDonald said donations were down across the board.
“Usually at this time of year, we have a stockpile of non-perishable food that will see us through the Christmas period and beyond, but in some areas our storage facilities are virtually empty.”
He said a surge in water, electricity and housing costs meant demand for emergency relief was spiralling.
“There’s been a change in client profile . . . people telling us they never thought they’d need social welfare, but it’s got to the stage where they can’t feed their family without help.”
To help tackle the crisis, one loaf of bread will be donated to Foodbank for every loaf of Wonder White or Helga’s purchased across Australia until December 18.
— with Benjamin Millar
