Times have been tough for local mum Samantha. With five growing children to care for, ensuring she had presents for all of them under the tree on Christmas day was going to be an impossible task.
Samantha with her children (Image: Mark Brake/The Advertiser)
That’s where UnitingSA stepped in to give the young mum a small miracle to help make sure the family enjoyed a happy Christmas.
Last year was especially difficult for the family. It included a period of homelessness, escaping domestic violence and Samantha faced serious health issues after the birth of her fifth child.
“I tried to think positive for those five kids. It’s been hard for me to stay alive and if it wasn’t for them, I think I would just be lost,” Samantha said.
Samantha’s family are among one of more than 12,500 families and individuals we worked with in 2024 amid unprecedented demand for our services.
With support of the UnitingSA Housing and Financial Stability team, Samantha kept her family together and in the lead up to Christmas they were invited to the Port Adelaide Toy Room.
Samantha with her children in the UnitingSA Toy Room (Image: Mark Brake/The Advertiser)
“I told them they could choose one present now and the other one is going to be wrapped for Christmas – they were so excited,” she said.
“I just couldn’t afford anything … you’ve got electricity and gas bills and everything else and your money just goes quick. They were so happy to get their presents.”
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Christmas Appeal to help people in need like Samantha.
Locals still need our support throughout the year. Please donate today.
For more information on our fundraising and partnership opportunities, get in touch with our team today:
E: fundraisingandpartnerships@unitingsa.com.au
P: (08) 8440 2200