Research reveals cash-strapped Queensland parents are struggling to buy food & presents this Xmas

Soaring cost-of-living expenses continue to devastate families, with research from The Salvation Army revealing almost two in three (63 per cent) of the state’s hardest-hit parents fear they won’t be able to afford meals this Christmas.

The Salvation Army client survey also found four in five (83 per cent) households with children were worried they won’t have enough money to buy toys.

The Salvation Army’s Doorways Emergency Relief State Manager Ben Brewer said the new research painted a "bleak picture for those Queenslanders already doing it tough" in the wake of high inflation and rising interest rates.

"These are so much more than sad statistics – these are Queenslanders we’re helping every day on the frontline, some who are being forced to live in cars," Mr Brewer said.

"The findings of our Christmas 2022 Poll clearly show the dire impact cost-of-living is having across the state.

"It’s deeply concerning Queenslanders are being forced to make difficult decisions like whether to pay an electricity bill or buy their children a Christmas present.

"Others unfortunately are choosing to go without meals and medication to ensure their children have food on the table.

"The guilt and emotional toll of not being able to provide the basics for their family is the real but often hidden cost of dealing with financial hardship."

The Salvation Army – which aims to raise $23 million through its national 2022 Christmas Appeal ($3.1m in Queensland) – surveyed almost 450 Queenslanders who’d sought support through the charity’s Doorways Emergency Relief Services. The youngest was aged just 16, and the oldest 81.

Almost all The Salvation Army clients surveyed (96 per cent) were worried about how they would afford Christmas this year, with four in five (84 per cent) fearing they would be "significantly negatively impacted" by rising cost-of-living expenses.

The Salvation Army’s internal survey of clients found:• 52 per cent said they were not looking forward to Christmas• 69 per cent believed their financial situation this Christmas "will be poor"• Single parents made up the largest household group struggling to buy enough to eat (86 per cent)• More than one in four (27 per cent) were worried about spending Christmas alone,• 80 per cent expected to seek extra support from The Salvation Army this Christmas.

Mr Brewer said the Queensland statistics – which mirrored those being reported nationally in The Salvation Army poll – highlighted the importance of the charity’s Christmas Appeal.

"The Salvation Army is experiencing a tsunami of need. We’re hearing from people who are feeling overwhelmed, lonely, stressed, and sad.

"We know that Christmas time, and its additional financial and emotion burdens, always intensifies these issues for people.

"Through our Christmas Appeal, we’re hoping to continue the vital support to individuals and families who are really struggling right now," Mr Brewer said.

"We’re counting on the generosity of the public to allow us to continue this important work."

You can donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal at salvationarmy.org.au or by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

Donations can also be made in person at any Kmart store or instore purchases can be rounded-up at any Myer store.

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