Vinnies report surge in calls for cost-of-living assistance

MOUNTING cost of living pressures are resulting in a higher proportion of individuals and families seeking living assistance for the first time.

New data from the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria reports a 29 per cent increase in calls in the lead-up to Christmas compared to the same period two years ago.

The frontline support organisation has received more than 20,000 calls for support in the last three months, with one of ten being first time callers.

Nine out of ten requests are related to food insecurity.

Vinnies Victoria chief executive officer Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald said around 800,000 Victorians are now living in poverty and disadvantage.

“Every day, our call centre volunteers speak to people who cannot afford the necessities, especially food.

“These calls for help are sensitively managed by our network of more than 10,000 dedicated members and volunteers, who are on the frontline every day.”

To assist those doing it tough, Vinnies volunteers are generously packing Christmas hampers and providing more than 110,000 home visits a year.

The hampers will include donated goods including fresh and long-life food products, clothing, children’s toys, rough sleeper packs and vouchers for Vinnies shops.

“Our soup vans have been instrumental in delivering meals, hampers, rough sleeper packs and companionship, prioritising access to healthy, nutritious food for those in need,” Dr Fitzgerald added.

“To meet the rising needs, we’ve also increased our soup van runs and special works programs delivering over 800,000 meals across Victoria in the last year.”

To donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, head to vinnies.org.au or phone 13 18 12.

All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.