A sea of teal-coloured bags covered the floor yesterday - 500 of them packed to the brim with festive food and sealed with a red ribbon!
For those experiencing disadvantage or struggling financially this Christmas, these hampers will put a spark of Joy into their festive season.
When there’s not enough money for bills, rent and food, celebrating Christmas with treats and presents isn’t an option.
The Department of Health and Human Services shows us that $400 is the median weekly rental cost in Victoria. With $412.60 being the average JobSeeker payment per week*, this doesn’t leave much to spare.
We’re seeing reports of people being left with under $10 a day after paying rent. We’re hearing from our own Emergency Relief clients that they’re struggling to pay bills, that they’re living in fear of having their utilities or phone connection cut off. That they’re struggling to put meals on the table.
And now with Christmas coming up, those who were already struggling don’t have the means to give gifts to their children – or to celebrate Christmas in any significant way.
Struggling during a time which is renowned for celebration can leave families and individuals feeling even more alone.
Something as simple as the gift of a food hamper can brighten someone’s Christmas.
The 500 food hampers, packed by nine of CatholicCare’s staff and volunteers yesterday, will be distributed to vulnerable families and individuals across Greater Melbourne, Geelong and Gippsland.
Some of the treats included in the hampers were panatone, packs of Lindt and other chocolates, shortbread, savoury and sweet biscuits, jams, wafers and lollies among many more.
We would like to say a big thank you to LaManna Supermarket, Good360, Woolworths in Niddrie, Ital (Genobile) and Lindt (Chocosuisse) for providing the products for our Giving Tree Appeal hampers.
And of course, we’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated to CatholicCare’s Giving Tree Appeal so far to support the cause!
Want to give a little Joy this Christmas?
Provide a food hamper to a struggling family or individual in need by donating today. Visit www.ccam.org.au/givingtreegift
Liz Gellel | Communications Coordinator
*average is higher for single principal carers.
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