The hardest Christmas in the Salvos 140-year history

The Salvation Army in Australia is gearing up for its biggest Christmas ever. New research shows 6.3 million Australians (29.9%) will struggle to pay their rent or mortgage this Christmas, and a shocking one in five (21%) being forced to forgo medical help to afford Christmas this year.

The Salvos’ research found that the situation is even more dire for families with children. Almost one in four Australians (24%) are concerned that their children will miss out on presents this Christmas. Moreover, 2.5 million (12%) are worried their children will miss out on food, and 1.2 million (5.7%) won’t even talk about Christmas with their children because they can’t afford it.

It also found that an astounding 1.9 million Australians (9.3%) will be reaching out to a charity for help this Christmas, with more than 54% of these people doing so for the first time. This research coincides with The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Appeal, which aims to raise $27 million to support those doing it tough during the festive season.

The research from The Salvation Army was conducted by Pureprofile and surveyed 2,004 people, discovering a further:

- 17.4% of Australians will go into debt this Christmas

- 19.2% of Australians will struggle to pay medical bills this Christmas

- 24% of Australians will not be able to afford enough food to eat this Christmas

- 39.2% of Australians have had to go without holidays to afford for Christmas

- 35.8% of Australians will have less people over on Christmas Day due to the cost-of-living crisis

“The Salvos have had the privilege of serving the Australian public for over 140 years. In that time, we have never seen the volume and widespread nature of need across the country like we are right now,” said Major Bruce Harmer from The Salvation Army. “People have been experiencing hardship throughout the year, and for many it has been going on for years on end. We know that Christmas time only exacerbates the pressure on individuals and families, which is why we think that this will likely be the hardest Christmas in the Salvos’ 140-year history.

“It is truly heartbreaking to see the despair and devastating decisions Australians are having to make in order to provide for their families this Christmas. As we see the devastating results of this research, we are reminded that every number and statistic represents real people, and we see that every day of the year amongst those who reach out to the Salvos for support.”

During last year’s Christmas period, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally:

• received over 330,000 gifts and toys for families in need,
• provided over 184,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness,
• and provided more than 92,000 bed nights for families needing accommodation during the festive season.**

“But there is real hope. We see hope in those who have the courage to reach out to us for help, and we see hope in the continued generosity of the Australian public who, year after year, stand alongside the Salvos to help those in need. This Christmas, if you can, please donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal,” added Major Harmer.

To help give a new beginning to someone in need, please donate to The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal or call 13 SALVOS.You can also make donations at any Salvos Store. 

*A Pureprofile survey for The Salvation Army surveyed 2,004 people in a nationally representative sample size and this has been extrapolated to reflect the general Australian population. Extrapolated numbers are based on the estimated Australian population aged 18 and older, 21,357,108 based on ABS data as seen here - https://www.ibisworld.com/au/bed/population-aged-18-older/15015/ **The Salvation Army, Christmas data summary report September 2024