Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Help families survive the cost-of-living crisis this Christmas

The cost-of-living increases are pushing tens of thousands of Aussie families over the edge, into poverty and risk of homelessness. They desperately need support to put food on the table, keep the lights on and keep a roof over their heads. Will you please help?

This year has been tough for Kelly’s family. No matter how hard they work or however they cut back, they simply don’t have enough money to get by.

“When the electricity bill came in, I literally dropped to my knees. There was no way we could pay it.”

“It gives me so much anxiety. Every time they’re bigger. We don’t have that money. What are we supposed to do?” – Kelly

Every day, more families like Kelly’s are turning to Vinnies for help. They need support with food, bills, and basics like clothing and furniture. They’re desperate to keep their homes.

With so many vulnerable people in our community depending on Vinnies for support, can we count on your help to provide the relief families need to survive this Christmas?

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Kelly's Story

Surging inflation and interest rates are creating acute cost of living pressure on those who can least afford it — people who are already vulnerable.

Simply surviving has been a daily struggle for families like Kelly’s.

Kelly and her family have been doing it tough in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns and now, economic pressures are adding to her already desperate situation.

With two teenage daughters to care for, families like Kelly’s have been unable to afford the sudden rise in basics like food, electricity, furniture, and rent.

“We just can’t afford to pay our bills anymore. My husband’s income just isn’t enough, and there’s nothing else we can cut back on. Our daughters need their medication. Our family needs to eat. It’s been impossible.” she says.

Kelly’s husband works in the hospitality industry and lost his job due to the pandemic. He was rehired as a kitchenhand but is now earning a lot less money. Their rent exceeds more than half of their combined income, placing them in acute housing stress.

A household is in housing stress when it spends more than 30% of its gross income on housing. This leaves very little left over to manage other bills and expenses.

“There’s always another bill. There’s always something to be fixed, or things we need, like clothes.” Kelly says.

The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria provided the family with assistance including rent, utilities, food and school expenses, as well as bedding for Kelly’s daughters. “To get some help, it really changes everything. I just started seeing a counsellor thanks to Vinnies,” Kelly says.

At this point, we have likely not seen either the peak of inflation or interest rates, so costs are only set to increase the closer we get to Christmas.

For many families like Kelly’s, who are already struggling, things are likely to get worse before they get better.