Salvos' annual appeal aims to ease stress on Riverina residents as cost of living puts bite on festive finances

Dig deep for the Salvos’ Christmas Appeal and help struggling Riverina residents. Photo: The Salvation Army Australia.

The Salvation Army has launched its 2023 Christmas Appeal to support families and individuals facing hardship this holiday season.

More people are seeking help from The Salvation Army because of the increased cost of living, rental price hikes and interest rates.

To help support those experiencing hardship this Christmas, the Salvos aim to raise $25 million nationally.

“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for the Salvos, and we expect the additional stresses of this year will result in more people than ever struggling to afford Christmas for themselves and their families,” the charity’s public relations secretary Andrew Hill said.

“It is more important than ever to band together as a community and lend a hand to those doing it tough.

“By believing in our good work and supporting our Christmas appeal, The Salvation Army can continue providing wraparound services and tailored support and bring much-needed hope and help to Riverina families in crisis, ensuring nobody struggles alone this Christmas.”

Mr Hill said the charity organisation was here for those needing help.

“Whether it is practical support like food or presents, or if you feel down or lonely this Christmas, reach out to us at The Salvos,” he said.

“Remember what matters most at Christmas – connection, community, friends, and family. Reach out to people. Spend time with those you care about.

“And if Christmas is a hard or lonely time for you, remember that your local Salvos family is always down the road.”

The charity encourages those looking for affordable Christmas shopping to consider the Salvos stores.

For the 2022 Christmas period, the Salvos nationally distributed tens of thousands of food hampers to those struggling to make ends meet and received more than 250,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without them.

They also provided more than 132,000 meals and more than 66,000 bed nights for families needing accommodation during the festive season.

To find out about local Christmas event information, to donate to the Salvos’ Christmas appeal, or if you need support from the organisation, visit The Salvation Army or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made at any Salvos store.