Foundation encouraging festive season giving

THE Give Where You Live Foundation (GWYLF) is calling on the community to show support for locals battling homeless and food insecurity this festive season.

The not-for-profit launched its Christmas Appeal which will make the Christmas period a more enjoyable and safe time for individuals and families in need.

Latest research from GWYLF shows 90 per cent of Geelong food relief agencies have experienced service demand growth over the past year.

A total of 63 per cent of agencies also reported clients’ needs had become more complex.

GWYLF chief executive officer, Bill Mithen said it is evident the increased cost of living is a detriment to the community.

“As the cost of living continues to increase, we are seeing the impact it is having on many.

“While some people are finding themselves in need for the first time in their lives, thousands in our community who were already vulnerable, are finding themselves even more so.

“For families facing hardship or living on low incomes and struggling to afford basic needs, the Christmas period can add significant stress and financial pressure.

“This Christmas we are calling on the community to help us continue to create a community where all people and places thrive, through Christmas and beyond.”

Over the Christmas period, GWYLF will be doing its best to support those in need by providing them with Community Choice vouchers.

The vouchers will enable locals to access basic necessities including food, material aid and support for prescriptions to people experiencing crisis.

Local grandmother of five, Camilla said she had recently been struggling to put food on the table amidst trying to assist her daughter and children who were victims of family violence.

She said the Community Choice vouchers had helped give her and the family the chance to thrive.

“I first needed some help after my daughter rang in the middle of the night. She’d had the living daylights belted out of her.”

“It’s been tough, it’s been a struggle. But we’ve got there. But if it hadn’t been for your support, we would never have survived.”

To support the Foundation’s Christmas Appeal visit givewhereyoulive.com.au