The Salvation Army is launching its annual Christmas Appeal in the Northern Rivers region, allowing The Salvos to help those in the local community who are struggling during the Christmas season.

The cost-of-living crisis has been intensifying, with more Australians reaching out to The Salvation Army for support. This means that The Salvos’ Christmas Appeal is vitally important this year, as its aim to raise $27 million nationally.

“Christmas is the busiest time of year for The Salvos, and this year we expect the need in the community to be immense. For many, celebrating Christmas might seem out of reach due to the rising cost of living, with some on the brink of homelessness and others fighting to pay the bills. The Salvation Army want to be there to support those in need this Christmas and give people the Christmas they deserve. Whether it is practical support like food or presents, or if you are feeling down or lonely this Christmas, please reach out to us at The Salvos,” says Major Gary Masters, The Salvation Army's External Communications Manager for NSW.

There are many ways that you can partner with The Salvos to support your community this Christmas, including lending a hand, donating products such as gifts and food, or offering a financial donation to the Christmas Appeal. The Salvation Army also host a number of special community celebrations during the festive season.

Capt. Philip Sutcliffe from Northern Rivers Salvos says that across this region, families are still feeling the effects of the last couple of years.

"Since early September, we have had families approaching us as to what support will be available for their family this year. Northern Rivers Salvos will be providing Toys and Food to families to help them make Christmas a special day.

"Each and every day, we see first-hand the impact that the Cost-of-Living crisis and flood recovery are having on the budgets of members of our community, and we are here to support where we can during this season. To help us make this a reality, we need your support, and there are a number of ways you can donate.

"Toys and gifts, in particular for the 8 – 14 years old age bracket for Boys and Girls, can be donated at the Kmart wishing tree from this Monday, 11th November 2024. Toys and gifts do not need to be purchased from Kmart but can be donated under the Tree at the front entrance to the store. We ask for new, unwrapped presents to be donated. You can also drop toys off at our main campus at 30 Cambridge Dr, Goonellabah or any of our Salvos Store network and let them know they are for the Christmas Appeal. You can also contact our office on (02) 6625 0900 or northernrivers@salvationarmy.org.au, and we can arrange a pickup from your home or workplace.

The community can also donate to the Christmas appeal via our online giving portal - https://community.salvationarmy.org.au/o/northern-rivers-salvos.

During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally:

• received over 330,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without,
• provided over 184,000 meals to those experiencing homelessness,
• and provided more than 92,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation during the festive season.*