Salvos research reveals other side of Christmas
7 December 2015
As The Salvation Army’s major Christmas campaign gets under way, new Roy Morgan research – commissioned by The Salvation Army – paints a disturbing picture of the other side of Christmas.
New Roy Morgan research reveals*:
- 2.7 million people aged 18-64 (18.6%) say they know at least 5 families who will experience financial hardship/poverty this Christmas
- Over 1 million people aged 18-64 (7.3%) say they know at least 10 families who will experience financial hardship/poverty this Christmas
- 10.6 million (71.7%) say the gap between rich and poor has been getting bigger. (When the Salvos last asked this in 2011, 60% said that)
- Almost 3.7 million people (24.9%) are worried about how they will pay for Christmas this year.
- 39.7% (almost 5.9 million people aged 18-64) say that their household buys too much food for Christmas Day
The Salvation Army expects to help around 300,000 Australians doing it tough at Christmas. It is expected that around 100,000 food vouchers and hampers will be distributed and 10,000 meals served to those in need.
The Salvos will also give out over 500,000 gifts and toys with the help of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.
The Roy Morgan research also looked at gifts purchased at Christmas revealing the disparity between “the haves and the have nots”. Roy Morgan research shows that 1.6 million Aussies were likely to spend $200- $299 on a present for a loved one and for those who had children, 785,000 said – on average – each child will receive at least 5 presents … 420,000 revealed – on average – each child would receive between 10 to 14 present.
In contrast Salvation Army research shows 60% of clients are unable to purchase at least one gift anytime in the year for a loved one - let alone at Christmas.
Furthermore, 39.7% of people (almost 5.9 million people aged 18-64) believe they buy too much food for Christmas Day, with 550,000 people aged 18-64 claiming their household is spending between $500 to $749 on food.
A stark contrast to Salvation Army research finding 25% of clients would go without one substantial meal per day, while 34% were not able to afford fresh fruit and vegetables for their children.
To support people in need this Christmas, please make a donation to our Christmas Appeal.