The hardest Christmas in the Salvos’ 140-year history
Salvation Army research finds that the Salvos in Australia are gearing up for their biggest Christmas ever. New research shows that 6.3 million Australians (29.9 per cent) will struggle to pay their rent or mortgage this Christmas, and a shocking one in five (21 per cent) are being forced to forgo medical help so they can afford Christmas 2024.
The Salvos’ research found that the situation is even more dire for families with children. Almost one in four Australians (24 per cent) are concerned that their children will miss out on presents this Christmas. Moreover, 2.5 million (12 per cent) are worried their children will miss out on food, and 1.2 million (5.7 per cent) won’t even talk about Christmas with their children because they can’t afford it.
It also found that an astounding 1.9 million Australians (9.3 per cent) will be reaching out to a charity for help this Christmas, with more than 54 per cent of these people doing so for the first time.
This research coincides with The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Appeal, which aims to raise $27 million to support those doing it tough during the festive season. The research from The Salvation Army was conducted by Pureprofile* and surveyed 2004 people, discovering a further:
17.4% of Australians will go into debt this Christmas
19.2% of Australians will struggle to pay medical bills this Christmas
24% of Australians will not be able to afford enough food to eat this Christmas
39.2% of Australians have had to go without holidays to afford for Christmas
35.8% of Australians will have less people over on Christmas Day due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Widespread need
“The Salvos have had the privilege of serving the Australian public for over 140 years,” said Major Bruce Harmer, Head of External Communications - Australia.
“In that time, we have never seen the volume and widespread nature of need across the country like we are right now. People have been experiencing hardship throughout the year, and for many it has been going on for years on end. We know that Christmas time only exacerbates the pressure on individuals and families, which is why we think that this will likely be the hardest Christmas in the Salvos’ 140-year history.
“It is truly heartbreaking to see the despair and devastating decisions Australians are having to make in order to provide for their families this Christmas. As we see the devastating results of this research, we are reminded that every number and statistic represents real people, and we see that every day of the year amongst those who reach out to the Salvos for support.”
During last year’s Christmas period, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally:
● Received over 330,000 gifts and toys for families in need,
● Provided over 184,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness,
● And provided more than 92,000 bed nights for families needing accommodation during the festive season. *
“But there is real hope,” added Major Harmer. “We see hope in those who have the courage to reach out to us for help, and we see hope in the continued generosity of the Australian public who, year after year, stand alongside the Salvos to help those in need.”
“To help give a new beginning to someone in need, please donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal by visiting salvationarmy.org.au or calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
You can also make donations at any Salvos Store.
*A Pureprofile survey for The Salvation Army surveyed 2004 people in a nationally representative sample size and this has been extrapolated to reflect the general Australian population. Extrapolated numbers are based on the estimated Australian population aged 18 and older, 21,357,108 based on ABS data as seen here
**The Salvation Army, Christmas data summary report September 2024
