24 March 2021.
Anglicare’s emergency relief services in Reid and South Canberra are calling for urgent food donations following a surge in demand with the announcement of cuts to the Jobseeker COVID-19 supplement from 1 April.
Jason Haines, executive officer at St John’s Care, said his particular service is seeing around 20 families per day, many needing help with groceries and bill payments to keep to top of housing costs.
“We only really have enough food to last the next couple of months,” explains Haines. “A number of people accessing our service are really mentally unwell and stressed out by the thought of government supports reducing so significantly. We’ve even been taking phone calls from people who are feeling suicidal – it’s really heartbreaking.”
The situation is similar at another Anglicare service in the south of Canberra. Laura Dawson is the manager of Gordon Community Centre that provides a food pantry and support to local families in need. “We’ve been seeing between 10-14 families per day needing emergency food,” says Dawson. “The need will be increasing into winter as costs of heating and winter clothing affect tight family budgets. Our pantry relies on community donations so we really encourage people to consider donating. It’s a practical way to help families in need.”
Anglicare encourages people to consider supporting others in their community by donating to Anglicare’s annual Pantry Appeal which collects non-perishable food and toiletries for distribution to families in need.
“Many organisations, schools and individuals already donate to our service, and now more than ever, we are so grateful for the continued support,” says Haines. “It’s literally giving hope to families who need it.”
For more information about donating to Anglicare’s Emergency Relief Services in Canberra, visit www.anglicare.com.au or call (02) 6245 7100 for more information.
Pictured: Laura Dawson and Jason Haines at St Johns Care.
