December 16th 2024.
As the holiday season approaches, The Salvation Army is gearing up for what could be their toughest Christmas yet. With the rising costs of living affecting Australians across the country, it's estimated that 6.3 million people will struggle to pay their rent or mortgage. And for many families, the worry extends beyond just financial strain - one in four parents are concerned that their children may miss out on presents this year.
According to a recent study conducted by The Salvation Army, there has been a significant increase in the number of people seeking assistance, especially those reaching out for the first time. Major Warren Elliott, a spokesperson for The Salvation Army, has stated that the organization is facing unprecedented levels of need. "It's gonna be the hardest Christmas for us in our 140-year history," he shared with 9news.com.au. "The numbers are just going through the roof and they have been for a few years now, but they just keep going up at Christmas time as more people, particularly over these last two years, have been feeling the squeeze."
The research conducted by The Salvation Army has also shed light on the challenges faced by families with children. It's estimated that 2.5 million families are worried that their children may go without food this Christmas, and 1.2 million won't even be able to talk about the holiday with their kids due to financial constraints. "We're finding more people are just looking to cut back over Christmas," Major Elliott explained.
The rising cost of living in Australia has resulted in a cost-of-living crisis, with grocery prices increasing by 33% over the past three years. At the same time, rental prices have reached record highs, with a recent report by Domain showing a 12.9% increase in rental prices in Sydney, 14.6% in Melbourne, 18% in Brisbane, and a staggering 22.2% in Perth over the last year.
As a result, it's estimated that 1.9 million people will turn to charities for help this Christmas, with over half of them seeking assistance for the first time. The struggle is not limited to financial strain, as 19% of those seeking help will also have trouble paying for medical bills.
"It's concerning to see the number of people who are making difficult decisions about where to spend their money," said Major Elliott. "Some are choosing to go without their medication or miss important payments just to get through Christmas. And it's all in an effort to make sure their children have something to celebrate." He emphasized the importance of reaching out for help and encouraged people to seek assistance, even if it's just for budgeting advice.
In an effort to support those in need, The Salvation Army is hoping to raise $27 million this Christmas. This money will go towards providing Christmas hampers, meals, and accommodation for those who are struggling. The organization is also reminding people to download their 9news app for the latest news and updates on how they can help make a difference in the lives of others this holiday season.
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