Help bring joy this Christmas with REIWA and The Salvation Army

REIWA has launched its annual Christmas Appeal in support of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.

From Monday 2 November to Friday 27 November, 32 REIWA member agencies across Perth, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie will be accepting public donations of non-perishable food items and new unwrapped gifts and gift vouchers, which will be donated to the Salvos. REIWA House at 215 Hay Street, Subiaco, will also serve as a collection point.

REIWA President Rob Mandanici said while Christmas was a time of joy for many, the festive season was extremely challenging for a growing number of people.

“The rising cost of living over the past few years is putting enormous pressure on Australian households,” he said.

“According to The Salvation Army, one in five Australian households have experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months and three in 20 parents were concerned their children would miss out on presents at Christmas.

“At its simplest level, the Christmas Appeal aims to provide support for WA families experiencing food and financial insecurity, but its greater goal is to bring some joy and respite to those struggling during the festive season.

“Last year, through the generosity of REIWA members and the wider community, the REIWA Christmas Appeal helped facilitate 550 appointments for assistance, provided over 200 food hampers and distributed over $127,000 worth of vouchers and toys.

“I know many people are facing increased financial pressures this year, but if you are able to donate a non-perishable food item, gift or gift voucher it will make a very real difference in someone’s life. You can also donate directly to the Salvos’ Christmas Appeal.”

The Salvation Army State External Communications Manager Warren Palmer said the Christmas Appeal was even more vitally important this year, with a growing number of Australians reaching out for support.

“I think people have a picture of the typical person who uses our services, but the reality is very different,” he said.

“For example, the number of fully employed people seeking assistance from homelessness services has skyrocketed by 87 per cent in the past 10 years. These are hard-working Australians who go to work every day yet are forced to spend their nights sleeping in their cars. In addition, more than 29 per cent of Australians are concerned about being homeless or losing their home within the next 12 months.

“Demand for our assistance grows each Christmas and we expect it to increase again this year, with rising rent and mortgage payments, and high fuel and food costs putting more and more pressure on already stretched budgets.”

Mr Palmer said the Christmas Appeal was a chance to be the hope struggling families urgently needed.

“After another heavy and unrelenting year, our community needs to feel moments when the normal worry and anxiety can be replaced by laughter, meaningful connections and the joyful smiles of children. This is the essence of Christmas and it should never be based on affordability but on the equality of human worth,” he said.

“We want to ensure that the spirit of Christmas can still visit those families and individuals in need, and our goal is to meet the needs of everyone who turns to us for help.

“We thank REIWA and their communities for supporting the Christmas Appeal for another year.

“If the heart of Christmas is initiated by the giver, then REIWA’s members have an extraordinarily big heart. The Salvation Army holds their kindness in trust, passing it on to the thousands of Western Australian families and individuals that seek our help. This transfer of kindness through the Christmas Appeal makes an incredibly deep and lasting impact for our community.”

Mr Palmer said, along with the normal gifts for young children, gift vouchers, outdoor equipment, electronics, activities and personal items would also be most welcome for teenagers.

Mr Mandanici said REIWA’s ongoing commitment to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal was part of the Institute’s long-standing support for the Salvos through REIWA’s philanthropic Community REInvest program, which helps ensure that they can continue their vital work in supporting vulnerable individuals and families across WA.

“REIWA members will also take part in the Salvos’ Christmas Cheer week – helping sort and display donations and then helping people choose gifts for Christmas. It gives them a great deal of pleasure and is a very meaningful experience for many of them,” he said.

For a complete list of suggested gift items, non-perishable grocery items and collection locations, visit the REIWA Community REInvest page on www.reiwa.com. Alternatively, monetary donations can be made online through The Salvation Army’s website.