Imagine, as a parent, being forced to choose between life-saving medication and putting fresh food on your children's plates.
“It breaks my heart when my children come home and ask me, ‘Mummy, can I have an apple tomorrow?’ or sometimes they ask, ‘Mummy, why don’t I have enough food in my lunch box?’”, says Miriam.
In Victoria, demand for our Vinnies Soup Van support has increased to 780,000 meals over the last year and to answer that Vinnies introduced a mobile pantry to meet the need in the Berwick area to serve the people in need.
As the demand for the Mobile Pantry grows, we must answer the call. The number of families waiting in line has risen by over 235%, and in January 2023 alone, we served more than 5,000 meals to those in need—the highest since its opening.
Every act of kindness counts. Your contribution will change lives and bring smiles to the faces of those who need it the most.
Please give generously and share the gift of hope today.
*Name and image have changed to protect privacy of the people.
JOAN'S STORY
“I never thought I’d end up homeless on the street in my 70s. Now I know, if it could happen to me, it could happen to any older woman.”
JAMAL'S STORY
“I was shy before. I liked playing guitar but I was scared and I didn't like playing in front of people because I didn’t know how they would react.”
KELLY'S STORY
“We just can’t afford to pay our bills anymore. My husband’s income just isn’t enough, and there’s nothing else we can cut back on. Our daughters need their medication.”
LEAH'S STORY
“He just kicked me in the guts when I was sleeping. He didn’t want the baby.”
Support this year's Winter Appeal and help people like Joan who, after losing her husband, found herself homeless in her 70s. Shockingly the truth is, older women like Joan are becoming homeless in record numbers.
What does success and confidence feel like for an 11-year-old boy who once struggled to speak up in class? The answer is delivering a solo music performance on stage to rapturous applause at his class concert last year.
Aussie families are struggling to survive the increasing cost-of-living pressures this Christmas. Your generosity can provide urgent relief for a family who's doing it tough this Christmas, and give them hope for a better future.