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Reach Out And Give Hope This Christmas

19 December 2016

The Salvation Army is encouraging people to connect with each other this Christmas to appreciate the true meaning of this festive season.

Leigh Cleave, The Salvation Army’s Communications and Fundraising Director, said it is important to think of others this Christmas, especially those who are doing it tough.

“For many Australians, Christmas is a joyous period filled with an abundance of family, friends and gifts,” Mrs Cleave said.

“However, for many disadvantaged and marginalised Australians, Christmas can be a time of great sadness and despair. Now more than ever it’s vital we reach out to those in need and appreciate the things we have, rather than focusing on the things we want.”

New Roy Morgan research from The Salvation Army highlights the real need for people to connect with one another this Christmas, with a huge 1.9 million people (equivalent to 10.6% of survey respondents) reporting they almost always or often feel lonely at Christmas. Additionally, 8.4 million Australians (equivalent to 45% of survey respondents) believe Christmas is a ‘financial nightmare’.

“Christmas is s challenging time for many individuals and families due to economic hardship, violence, substance abuse, loneliness and homelessness. It is also The Salvation Army’s busiest time of the year, with more than 70,000 families turning to us for help,” Mrs Cleave said.

“We encourage those who are among the fortunate to help people in need and remember the true meaning of Christmas – the spirit of giving.”

The Salvation Army has a network of local churches around the nation offering a range of activities leading up to Christmas, including Christmas Carol events and community Christmas lunches for people who wish to connect at Christmas time. To find out what’s happening at your local Salvos, visit salvos.org.au

To donate to The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal and help give hope where it’s needed most, visit salvos.org.au or call 13 72 58 (13 SALVOS).

 

 

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The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders past, present and future.

We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.

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The Salvation Army is an international movement. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name with love and without discrimination.

uat.salvos.org.au

13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

Gifts of $2 or more to the social work of The Salvation Army in Australia are tax deductible.Details and ABNs

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