Winter Appeal
Give hope sweet hope

Change lives this Winter.

This winter, young families will be forced to sleep in their cars due to housing insecurity. Kids are going to bed hungry and seniors will be unable to afford heating and medication.

These are the harsh realities of a cost of living and housing crisis.

But together, we can make a difference.

Can you help us give hope sweet hope to South Australians doing it tough?

Play Video
UnitingSA Winter Appeal 2025 case study

Living in the car was just horrifying, always moving around and then living in a one-room emergency motel room with no cooking facilities … it’s hard to describe. You can’t function normally, don’t eat properly, always on edge.

Help families like Jess weather the storm.

Five years ago, Jess’ life was healthy, stable and ‘normal’. But a catastrophic turn of events within the family plunged the now 44-year-old’s life into complete chaos.

In an attempt to ease her emotional pain, Jess made poor choices, her marriage of more than 20 years broke down and Jess was suddenly without a home with three children, aged between six and 16 at the time.

Jess and her children spent months couch surfing, living out of a car and in emergency motel accommodation.

When a friend suggested she connect with UnitingSA, there was a glimmer of hope…

Help families like Jess weather the storm.

Five years ago, Jess’ life was healthy, stable and ‘normal’. But a catastrophic turn of events within the family plunged the now 44-year-old’s life into complete chaos.

In an attempt to ease her emotional pain, Jess made poor choices, her marriage of more than 20 years broke down and Jess was suddenly without a home with three children, aged between six and 16 at the time.

Jess and her children spent months couch surfing, living out of a car and in emergency motel accommodation.

When a friend suggested she connect with UnitingSA, there was a glimmer of hope…

Living in the car was just horrifying, always moving around and then living in a one-room emergency motel room with no cooking facilities … it’s hard to describe. You can’t function normally, don’t eat properly, always on edge.

Donate online

All donations $2 and above are tax deductible.

You can also call (08) 8440 2200 to make a donation, or email fundraisingandpartnerships@unitingsa.com.au for further options. 

$20

will buy three hearty meals for a rough sleeper

$50

provides a week of petrol for the school run

$80

covers a vital a medical appointment

$100

will provide a rough sleeper with basic necessities

$200

pays for an average SA family’s weekly groceries

Donate online

All donations $2 and above are tax deductible.

You can also call (08) 8440 2200 to make a donation, or email fundraisingandpartnerships@unitingsa.com.au for further options. 

$20

will buy three hearty meals for a rough sleeper

$50

provides a week of petrol for the school run

$80

covers a vital a medical appointment

$100

will provide a rough sleeper with basic necessities

$200

pays for an average SA family’s weekly groceries

Donate online

All donations $2 and above are tax deductible.

You can also call (08) 8440 2200 to make a donation, or email fundraisingandpartnerships@unitingsa.com.au for further options. 

$20

will buy three hearty meals for a rough sleeper

$50

provides a week of petrol for the school run

$80

covers a vital a medical appointment

$100

will provide a rough sleeper with basic necessities

$200

pays for an average SA family’s weekly groceries

Donate to our Winter Appeal today

All donations $2 and above are tax deductible.

You can also call (08) 8440 2200 to make a donation, or email fundraisingandpartnerships@unitingsa.com.au for further options. 

Donate to our Winter Appeal today

Give back this Winter.

Is your organisation looking to support people experiencing poverty and homelessness?

Unite your workplace, school or business to help South Australians with everyday needs, such as food, warmth and shelter.

You can be assured 100 per cent of your donation goes directly to those who need support.

Call (08) 8440 2200 or email fundraisingandpartnerships@unitingsa.com.au for more information.

Give back this Winter.

Is your organisation looking to support people experiencing poverty and homelessness?

Unite your workplace, school or business to help South Australians with everyday needs, such as food, warmth and shelter by becoming a Winter Appeal Supporter.

You can be assured 100 per cent of your donation goes directly to those who need support.

This is the heading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

This is the heading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

This is the heading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Stories of impact

Did you know more than 12,000 people call on our Emergency Relief Services each year?

Here’s how your donation helps change people’s lives.

Share details of our appeal

Follow @unitingsa on social media

FAQs

  • What is UnitingSA’s Winter Appeal?

    UnitingSA’s Winter Appeal is a fundraising campaign to support South Australians doing it tough during the colder months. Your donations help provide essential items like food, warm clothing and emergency relief to people experiencing hardship.

  • How does my donation help people in need?

    Your donation goes directly toward providing practical support—such as warm bedding, hot meals and crisis assistance—to people facing poverty, homelessness or unexpected hardship during winter.

  • Can I donate online?

    Yes, the fastest and easiest way to help is by donating online. Every dollar makes a difference, and donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate now.

  • Can I make a monthly or recurring donation?

    Absolutely. Regular giving is one of the most powerful ways to support ongoing services. Simply select the “monthly donation” option when you give online.

  • Can I donate physical items like blankets or food?

    While financial donations allow us to respond quickly and purchase exactly what’s needed, we also appreciate donations of non-perishable food, new and good quality clothing, blankets, tents and sleeping bags. Items can be delivered to our Child, Youth and Family Services, 58 Dale Street, Port Adelaide, between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

  • Who does the Winter Appeal help?

    The appeal supports individuals and families across South Australia—people experiencing homelessness, job loss, mental health challenges, and other tough situations made harder during winter.

  • Is my donation tax deductible?

    Yes, all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. You’ll receive a receipt immediately after donating online.

  • Why is financial support more helpful than donated goods?

    Financial donations allow us to act quickly and provide tailored help—whether that’s covering a bill, buying warm clothes, or supplying a food voucher. It also reduces waste and storage costs, ensuring funds go where they’re needed most.

  • Why is my support important?

    Every winter, more South Australians are facing hardship—families struggling to keep the heater on, older people choosing between food and medication, and young people sleeping rough. Your support helps meet these urgent needs with dignity and compassion. By donating to UnitingSA’s Winter Appeal, you’re not just giving food, warmth or shelter—you’re giving hope. Together, we can make sure no one is left out in the cold.

Nobody can do everything but everyone can do something.

UnitingSA relies on the generosity of donors to help deliver innovative programs and support for people in need across metropolitan and regional South Australia.

“I was feeling depressed and anxious before coming to Taperoo Community Centre and now I feel as though I belong for the first time in my life. The classes have helped me believe in myself and that I am capable of learning.”

Dorothy,
Taperoo Community Centre participant (pictured with Centre Coordinator Kathy)

Call Now!