Thousands of South Australians are seeking crisis support to help them battle through the harsh cold of winter.
So far in 2021, AnglicareSA has supported nearly 4,000 South Australian families in crisis – this includes more than 3,200 children.
AnglicareSA Executive General Manager Community Services, Nancy Penna, said the fallout of the pandemic coupled with the end of the COVID-19 welfare supplement has forced people into hardship, and for many, it is for the first time.
“As the cold of winter sets in, many South Australians are under enormous financial and emotional stress,” she said.
“Recently, many single parents have approached our services in need of food, as well as bags and shoes for their children so they can attend school.
“The new rate of the JobSeeker payment, an extra $3.60 a day, is simply not enough to lift people out of poverty.
“With families facing skyrocketing rental prices and higher energy bills due to the harsh cold, we anticipate the demand for emergency relief services to grow throughout winter.”
AnglicareSA volunteers across Adelaide and regional South Australia are working hard to ensure individuals and families receive the vital support they need – whether it be food, warm blankets, financial counselling, referrals to support services, or simply being there to listen to their story.
Ms Penna is calling for South Australians to dig deep this winter and donate what they can to its emergency assistance programs.
“As winter sets in there are many South Australians with nowhere to turn and it’s only with the generosity of the community that we can support them to get their lives back on track.
“Every donation enables us to help those doing it tough have access to basic essentials.
“I hope that people see our Appeal and feel they can spare a few dollars to help brighten someone’s life this winter.”