A word from our CEO
November 15, 2018
A growing number of families across Victoria and Tasmania are facing a tough festive season this year. Many will miss out on a meal this Christmas amid poor living circumstances and financial pressures.
The cost of renting is going up. Wages have deteriorated and people are increasingly finding the only job they can get is casual and part-time. The knock-on effect is that people simply can’t afford to buy food or pay their bills.
The Food for Families 2018 appeal is our largest ever yet. Our ambition is to bring in an unprecedented 70 tonnes, or 20,000 shopping bags of non-perishable food and household essentials, to help meet the growing demand for support across the community.
Uniting Vic.Tas Chief Executive Officer, Paul Linossier said, “The number of enquiries to the Uniting emergency relief centres in Victoria has grown significantly over the last 6 months with more Victorians requiring material aid such as food, vouchers and education support.
Our very real fear is that the growing pressure on the cost of living will force increasing numbers of Victorians and Tasmanians into severe financial hardship and homelessness in 2019.
“There are parents who have to tell their children why they can’t have a feast like you see in Christmas movies, or why they couldn’t receive a present this year”, said Paul Linossier.
Uniting, together with your support can change this. Get on board Food for Families 2018 and help provide urgent relief for Victorians and Tasmanians living life on the margins.
Finding food and a safe place to sleep will provide a huge relief for vulnerable people in our community this Christmas and beyond. We want to ensure we can help every single person that comes to us for help. Let’s provide more than just hope to a family this festive season.
