St Vincent de Paul Society has called on the community to show its support in this year’s Christmas appeal.
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Launching the appeal, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW President Denis Walsh said support is needed to help those who will experience homelessness over the Christmas period.
“This year, more people than ever will experience homelessness over Christmas.
“There’s over 116,000 people across Australia either sleeping on the streets, in temporary or inadequate dwellings, or in halfway-solutions like boarding houses or crisis accommodation.
“A Christmas without a home is no Christmas at all. But it doesn’t need to be that way.
“Your generosity can help bring joy and comfort to people this Christmas. Because your donations will mean the chance of a better future,” Mr Walsh said.
Vinnies NSW CEO Jack de Groot hoped the community will help give those in need a happy Christmas.
“Inequality and disadvantage are getting worse in our country.
The latest government figures show that at least one in ten people pay more than 30 percent of their income on rent, meaning they don’t have a lot left over for food and bills, let alone Christmas gifts and celebrations.
“Independent research also suggests that the rising cost of housing has pushed more than half a million people below the poverty line compared to a few years ago.
“That includes 200,000 children in need of your help.
“This Christmas, let’s think of those people without the money to afford a home; or those pushed to the edge by the daily cost of living, let alone the price of gifts under the tree. Let’s not leave them without a new year to look forward to,” Mr de Groot said.
Donations to the appeal can be made at vinnies.org.au, calling 13 18 12 or at any Vinnies store.