Donate Now - Share Your Generosity this Christmas
- intouch Magazine
- Dec 1, 2023
- 2 min read
Samaritans take their name from the story that Jesus told about the Good Samaritan - he was a man who saw another person in need and reached out to help, and now the charity’s annual Christmas Appeal is underway to raise vital funds so it can continue offering a helping hand to the local community.
Samaritans support people through tough times 365 days a year, offering more than 100 programs. The Newcastle Anglican service agency helped 4,100 people through its Emergency Relief Centres in the last financial year alone.
Emergency Relief (ER) Coordinator Beth Hanna said many people were struggling with cost-of-living pressures, including high rent, significant increases in electricity and gas bills, and a rise in fuel and mortgage rates.
“Based on conversations we have with participants through ER, Christmas will place additional pressures on household budgets that are already feeling the strain,” she said.
“Many of the people we see have indicated they are worried about how they will provide gifts for their children and meet the extra demands of Christmas.
“There is also an emerging trend of people who are employed seeking support through ER as they find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.”
Many of Samaritans' vital programs can only continue through the support of generous donations. The charity sees an increase in families reaching out for help across the festive season and into January and February.
Samaritans President Bishop Peter Stuart said the charity had been sharing Christmas generosity, kindness, and goodwill with as many families as possible for over 20 years.
“Every year, Samaritans supports thousands of people in our community who do not have sufficient resources for food, utilities, and basic living needs,” he said.
“People’s emotional and financial struggles intensify during the festive season, and often, it is more difficult to get support. Samaritans is committed to making a positive difference. This year, as you prepare to celebrate Christmas with your loved ones, we are inviting you to extend the spirit of Christmas by supporting others.”
Share your generosity. Donate today. samaritans.org.au/donate
