Salvation Army braces for its toughest Christmas yet: 'It's going to be the hardest in 140 years'
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As the holiday season approaches, many are facing challenges that could make this Christmas one of the toughest in recent history.
What’s happening this year has experts and aid organisations deeply concerned about the strain on families and communities.
The situation is more dire than expected, with a rising number of people in need of assistance as they struggle with essential costs.
As locals continue to grapple with mounting cost-of-living pressures, The Salvation Army found itself preparing for its most challenging Christmas in over a century.
Research released by the organisation revealed that 6.3 million people were expected to struggle with paying their rent or mortgage this holiday season.
Additionally, one in four Australians feared their children might miss out on presents due to financial hardship.
Major Warren Elliott spoke about the increasing demand for assistance, especially from those seeking help for the first time.
'The numbers are just going through the roof and they have been for a few years now and they just keep going up at Christmas time as more people particularly over these last two years have been feeling the squeeze,' Elliott said.
The Salvation Army’s findings indicated that families with children were facing the brunt of the crisis.
Roughly 2.5 million families feared their children would go without food, and 1.2 million parents refrained from discussing Christmas with their kids due to their inability to afford the holiday.
Major Elliott expressed concern, saying, 'It's gonna be the hardest Christmas for us in 140-year history because we've got so many more people coming to see us this year.'
The situation has worsened in recent years, as cost-of-living pressures have pushed grocery prices up by 33% in the past three years.
Rental prices also reached record highs, with Sydney seeing a 12.9% increase, Melbourne at 14.6%, Brisbane up by 18%, and Perth soaring by 22.2%.
Research found that 1.9 million Australians planned to reach out to charities for help this Christmas, with more than half seeking support for the first time.
Further compounding the struggles, 19% of people reported difficulties paying medical bills this holiday season.
'What sticks out to me is that people are making decisions about what they're going to spend their money on,' Elliott said.
'So some people are saying I'm gonna go without my medication or I won't pay my mortgage or go back on those important payments, just to get through Christmas.'
Many were forced to make tough choices, such as skipping essential medication or reducing mortgage payments, just to ensure their children had something for Christmas.
Elliott voiced his concern over this, stressing that people were putting themselves into financial distress just to give their kids a holiday.
He added, 'We are saying if people are doing those things, let us help. Come and see us, even if it's just with some budgeting advice, we can help people to sort out some of those difficulties.'
The Salvation Army has set a goal to raise $27 million to provide Christmas hampers, meals, and accommodation to those in need this year.
How can we come together to support those struggling this Christmas? Share your thoughts in the comments.
What’s happening this year has experts and aid organisations deeply concerned about the strain on families and communities.
The situation is more dire than expected, with a rising number of people in need of assistance as they struggle with essential costs.
As locals continue to grapple with mounting cost-of-living pressures, The Salvation Army found itself preparing for its most challenging Christmas in over a century.
Research released by the organisation revealed that 6.3 million people were expected to struggle with paying their rent or mortgage this holiday season.
Additionally, one in four Australians feared their children might miss out on presents due to financial hardship.
Major Warren Elliott spoke about the increasing demand for assistance, especially from those seeking help for the first time.
'The numbers are just going through the roof and they have been for a few years now and they just keep going up at Christmas time as more people particularly over these last two years have been feeling the squeeze,' Elliott said.
The Salvation Army’s findings indicated that families with children were facing the brunt of the crisis.
Roughly 2.5 million families feared their children would go without food, and 1.2 million parents refrained from discussing Christmas with their kids due to their inability to afford the holiday.
Major Elliott expressed concern, saying, 'It's gonna be the hardest Christmas for us in 140-year history because we've got so many more people coming to see us this year.'
The situation has worsened in recent years, as cost-of-living pressures have pushed grocery prices up by 33% in the past three years.
Rental prices also reached record highs, with Sydney seeing a 12.9% increase, Melbourne at 14.6%, Brisbane up by 18%, and Perth soaring by 22.2%.
Research found that 1.9 million Australians planned to reach out to charities for help this Christmas, with more than half seeking support for the first time.
Further compounding the struggles, 19% of people reported difficulties paying medical bills this holiday season.
'What sticks out to me is that people are making decisions about what they're going to spend their money on,' Elliott said.
'So some people are saying I'm gonna go without my medication or I won't pay my mortgage or go back on those important payments, just to get through Christmas.'
Many were forced to make tough choices, such as skipping essential medication or reducing mortgage payments, just to ensure their children had something for Christmas.
Elliott voiced his concern over this, stressing that people were putting themselves into financial distress just to give their kids a holiday.
He added, 'We are saying if people are doing those things, let us help. Come and see us, even if it's just with some budgeting advice, we can help people to sort out some of those difficulties.'
The Salvation Army has set a goal to raise $27 million to provide Christmas hampers, meals, and accommodation to those in need this year.
How can we come together to support those struggling this Christmas? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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