Hume and Whittlesea residents are being asked to help make Christmas a little brighter for families in need by donating to Uniting Vic.Tas’ festive appeal.
The Gift for Families Appeal supports disadvantaged families on Melbourne’s north by providing toys and gifts donated by the communoty for children in need.
Uniting Vic.Tas emergency relief team leader Fiona Fisher said more families than ever are expected to ask for help this year.
Uniting Vic.Tas’ ‘Can’t Afford to Live’ report, released in October, found that 92 per cent of respondents were cutting back on food and groceries due to costs and 70 per cent were unable to eat well.
Two-thirds of respondents reported pressure from the rising cost of energy bills.
“We know cost-of-living pressures have stretched many budgets to breaking point,” Ms Fisher said.
“Whether it’s the cost of rent, gas and electricity or putting fuel in the car, we know people are really struggling. Affording the necessities is now out of reach for many and they’re having to choose between putting food on the table and paying their bills.
“Gifts For Families is one of the highlights of every year for us – we are determined that no one is going to go without a gift this Christmas.
“Putting smiles on the faces of families and providing gifts to deserving children and young people is so rewarding. We hope you; your group, school, workplace or family can make sure there are gifts under every Christmas tree in our community.”
Hume and Whittlesea residents can help by donating new gifts such as toys, sports equipment, books or new clothes or e-gift cards. Gifts can also be purchased online and sent to Uniting in Broadmeadows or Epping.
Uniting Vic.Tas is also looking for donations of non-perishable food so families have something to put on the table on Christmas Day.
In person donations can be made to Uniting at 413-419 Camp Road, Broadmeadows, or 180-188 McDonalds Road, Epping.
Details: www.unitingvictas.org.au/local-christmashot
