UnitingSA’s emergency assistance teams are gearing up to support 60 families a day in the lead up to Christmas. That’s three families every 15 minutes.

While the average spend1 on Christmas gifts this year is expected to be $660, there are thousands of South Australians who will struggle to afford just the basics.

Last festive season UnitingSA helped thousands of locals and ensured more than 500 children had gifts under the tree. For some it was the first Christmas gift they had ever received.

This year, due to the ongoing housing crisis and cost of living pressures, UnitingSA expects to assist 700 families – an increase of 40 per cent on the 500 families assisted in 2023.

As one of South Australia’s leading not-for-profits delivering emergency relief and homelessness services, UnitingSA is calling on more South Australians to “help save Christmas” for families and individuals in need.

There are three ways to help:

  • Financial donations will help UnitingSA take the anxiety out of Christmas for those in need and ensure that no one who comes to us for support leaves empty-handed. All funds raised go towards vouchers for food, transport, personal hygiene items, and even a meal alongside good company at our annual Christmas Day lunch.
  • Donating gifts for children or teenagers will bring joy to a local family on Christmas morning. This year, we are in great need of gifts for boys aged 10 – 14 years (think skateboards, headphones and sporting gear). Donated items are displayed in our beautifully decorated Toy Room, making the gift selection process an exciting experience for parents and caregivers.
  • Donations of non-perishable foods like pasta, sauces, soups and canned fruit and vegetables will help relieve financial stress over the festive season. We accept these donations on weekdays at 58 Dale Street, Port Adelaide.

UnitingSA has been supporting South Australians in the north-western suburbs through tough times for more than 100 years. One hundred per cent of all donations go directly to those in need. South Australians can help by donating today at unitingsa.com.au/christmas
1 © 2024 CPM Australia
https://www.cpm-aus.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-Australian-Christmas-Shopping-Intentions-Research-Report-CPMAustralia-RetailSafari-1.pdf

Quotes attributable to Jenny Hall, CEO, UnitingSA
At this time of year, many of us are looking forward to Christmas, enjoying downtime and catching up with family and friends. Sadly, for many people experiencing hardship, Christmas is a stressful time.

Vulnerable members of our community are making decisions about whether to pay bills or buy groceries. For people who are already isolated or lonely, Christmas only makes these issues worse.

It’s heartbreaking to know there are many children in our community who will not be waking up to gifts under the tree this year. For those children it’s tragic. For parents or caregivers who can’t give their children the same experiences as their friends, it’s incredibly tough.

For many of the people we support, finding anything extra for Christmas can be next to impossible. This can create huge anxiety – knowing that other members of the community are enjoying all elements of the festive season. It’s extremely isolating.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

CEO, Jenny Hall, is available for interview.

There are multiple media opportunities in the lead up to Christmas

  • Toy Room and food pantry – open December 11-24
  • Christmas Day lunch – set up/spokespeople available on the afternoon of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning

UnitingSA media contact:
Shannon Short 0466 419 528