20 January 2021
Generous support from local churches, businesses and individuals has enabled Anglicare to continue to meet the increasing needs of local families who found themselves struggling over the Christmas and New Year period. Hundreds of donated Christmas presents and items of non-perishable food, given in the lead up to Christmas, allowed Anglicare to deliver additional support to families struggling to make ends meet and cover food and housing costs.
During December and January, record numbers of people approached Anglicare’s Homelessness and Housing service in Goulburn needing rental assistance, and from July to December over 270 people received emergency relief including food, toiletries and other items.
Anglicare’s Regional Manager for Housing and Social Services, Toni Reay, says the organisation is extremely grateful for the community support. “Anglicare relies on our partnerships in the Goulburn community, especially at Christmas, and we’ve been overwhelmed that so many people chose to give after such a difficult year. We sincerely thank everyone who donated,” explained Ms Reay.
“While we appreciate all the donations we received, we particularly want to mention the parish of St Saviours who support us each year through their Christmas Giving Tree Appeal. They donated over 180 presents as well as gift vouchers. We also want to thank the Goulburn Soroptimist Club who gave over $500 worth of gifts. This has meant a great deal for the families we support and lifted a huge burden at a challenging time of year,” said Ms Reay.
Feedback from one family in a vulnerable housing situation highlights the impact of the giving. “We’re always appreciative of Anglicare’s support. The hampers and gifts helped not just our family but our extended family too. We’re deeply grateful.”
Anglicare delivered the gifts and hampers to over 150 families needing emergency relief and housing support.
For more information about Anglicare’s Emergency Relief and Homelessness and Housing Service in Goulburn, visit www.anglicare.com.au or call (02) 4823 4000 for more information.
