UnitingSA is calling on South Australians to help ‘save’ Christmas as it launches its 2025 Christmas Appeal.

UnitingSA’s emergency assistance team are reporting a 30% increase in people seeking support.

It comes as the number of children living in poverty in South Australia hits almost 1 in 5.

The Child Poverty in Australia 2025 Report1, released early this month, shows that South Australia has the highest percentage of children living in poverty in the country.

“SA tops the list with 18.3% of children living in poverty,” says UnitingSA CEO, Jenny Hall.

The rise in poverty is paralleling an increasing demand for assistance.

“We’ve already had 390 children referred to access our toy room to receive Christmas gifts and it is not even December yet.

“There is no doubt that cost of living and housing stresses are pushing more and more people into a situation where everyday essential items are becoming unaffordable.

“About one third of those we’re seeing at our emergency relief centre are first-time users of our service.

Common pressures faced by our clients include:

  • unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills
  • payday loans and unaffordable credit card debt
  • rental stress (spending over 30% of income on rent)
  • eligibility gaps or delays accessing financial support

“Employment no longer guarantees financial stability. Nor does being a two-income family. Rental stress – when people are spending more than 30% of income on rent – is also on the rise.

“For many of the people we support, affording anything extra for Christmas can be next to impossible. We’re calling on South Australians to help ‘save’ Christmas. Every gift and donation we receive will brighten someone else’s Christmas.”

UnitingSA is calling for:

  • Financial donations to enable support to be directed where it is needed most
  • Christmas gifts for children and teenagers (0 – 14 years)
  • Non-perishable foods like pasta, sauces, soups, canned fruit and vegetables.

UnitingSA accepts donations on weekdays at 58 Dale Street, Port Adelaide or go to unitingsa.com.au

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

CEO, Jenny Hall, is available for interview.

Contact:

Shannon Short
Communications and Media Lead
UnitingSA
0466 419 528

1https://bcec.edu.au/publications/child-poverty-in-australia-2025/