St Vincent de Paul Tasmania launches 2025 Christmas Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Society is calling on Tasmanians to dig deep this festive season as more individuals and families than ever before seek support heading into Christmas. 

With everyday prices continuing to rise dramatically across the community and many struggling to recover from the financial pressures of the past year, the Society’s emergency relief teams across the state are reporting record requests for assistance.

State President Corey McGrath said Christmas was often the hardest time of year for those already doing it tough.

“For most of us the festive period is a time for family celebrations and the joy of Christmas, but for far too many Tasmanians it is a time of stress and worry,” he said. 

“The number of people reaching out for help has never been higher and many are facing impossible choices between paying rent and purchasing small gifts for their children, or food and household basics just to get by day to day.

“In the past 12-months, the Society has helped 3,529 families and 19,182 individuals with our Emergency Relief service and roughly one in ten of our companions (clients) are experiencing homelessness. 

“The Society has been here for more than 125 years, but our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of the Tasmanian community and every donation, large or small, helps provide some form of relief such as a meal, a gift, assistance with an urgent bill, or a safe place to stay.”                         

Member and Volunteer Leigh Delaney, who has been involved with the Society for more than 40 years, said the Vinnies Christmas Appeal addressed the growing levels of isolation and stress faced by Tasmanians during the holiday season.

“Everyone hopes for a safe and joyful Christmas, but sadly that isn’t the reality for too many Tasmanians,” he said. 

“The work the Society does at this time of year provides material help and promotes the need for more social inclusion and community connection.

“The look on someone’s face when they receive the support they need is truly special and people are so grateful for the compassion and care our members and volunteers show.

“When we’re able to support someone in urgent need with a Christmas hamper or a food voucher, we are also trying to remind them that there are people in the community who care and want them to stay safe, warm and connected.” 

This year, the goal is to raise $250,000 for Vinnies to provide emergency relief and practical support to Tasmanians in need, particularly at a time when the pressures for families and individuals doing it tough begin to feel insurmountable

Donations will help deliver some relief, enabling the Society to fund food hampers, household supplies, utility assistance and essential items for those experiencing hardship.

The Society continues to rely on the generosity of Tasmanians across the state to meet growing demand and expresses its gratitude to all those who continue to find it in their heart to support those around them doing it tough 

To donate, visit www.vinniestas.org.au, call 13 18 12 or donate in person at any Vinnies store or office statewide.