Demand On Charities At Its Highest

Demand on charities this holiday season will be at its highest due to inflation, an increase in power and fuel prices, and wage stagnation generally. After the havoc wreaked by bushfires, floods, and the pandemic, the cost of living crisis is biting down hard on those who rely on charity aid.

Charity groups face the toughest year

Charity groups are scrambling to meet increasing demand. New South Wales-based charity Survivors R Us founder Ann-Maria Martin told ABC News demand had tripled in the past few years. "We've had some pretty rough years with the pandemic and everything else, but this year I think is going to be the toughest year we've had."

Secondbite reported 77% of its partner agencies surveyed had requested more food to meet rising demand in the past 12 months, while OzHarvest notes 61% of its partners have said the same. Ronni Kahn, OzHarvest CEO and Founder, says, “This is the most severe we’ve seen it.” Data from St Vincent de Paul NSW recently showed 26% of their help in the last financial year went to those accessing charity aid for the first time. 

A warning has been given to low- and middle-income earners that worse is to come over the next couple of months. Unfortunately, this is just in time for Christmas. The holiday season is traditionally a time to share joy, gifts, and enjoy company over good food. However, many families are faced with being unable to provide any of this.

A couple who rely regularly on Foodbank told Guardian Australia what kinds of compromises more and more families are needing to make. “Do we take from the electricity bill or the gas to pay for food? Or do we take from the rent…” said Peter and Belinda Willoughby.

Federal Budget fails charities?

While some have praised aspects of the 2022-23 Federal Budget and strategies to aid the increasing cost of living, others remain critical that it does not go far enough. The recent Federal Budget announcement left large and small charities alike feeling they would not receive the help they desperately need. 

St Vincent de Paul’s President Claire Victory told Mirage News: “The charity sector is witnessing a spike in demand as Australians already struggling to cope with the surging cost-of-living are asked to pay the price for successive governments’ neglect of the crumbling foundations of a fair Australia.”

“We have called on the Government to increase the base rate of working age payments. A $23 per day increase would bring these payments into line with pensions. Even a more modest increase of either $10 or $15 per day would lift up to one million people out of poverty,” Ms Victory said.

Teresa Clarke, Head of Food and Financial Assistance from Anglicare Sydney told A Current Affair: "I would like to see the government putting their money where their mouth is." The charity had already warned the government early last year a “new wave of poverty” would sweep communities once emergency financial support initiated by the pandemic ceased.

Shortage of Christmas Hampers and Supplies

A widespread shortage of Christmas hampers and supplies is worsening the situation. Foodbank in ACT and NSW told ABC News it was suffering challenging shortages of supplies to fulfil their commitment to 1,000 charity partners and schools. 

"We're looking and thinking outside the circle as to how we can get more food available,” said Chief Executive John Robertson. 

Mr Roberston expressed frustration and disappointment in the struggle as the charity had already increased their production by over 10,000 hampers for this year.

Other supply issues include inability to secure items. Southlake’s Incorporated had their order of supplies cancelled this year. The food charity relies on purchasing items for their hundreds of Christmas hampers which a team of 32 volunteers distribute to those in need in southern Lake Macquarie. Chief Executive Christine Mastello said the charity had money for the purchases, however increased cost of items means difficulty securing the amount needed.

You can help those in need by donating funds to a Charity Christmas Appeal. Search for your favourite Charity from our comprehensive list.