anglican focus

The news site of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland: nourishing and connecting our faith community

Give the gift of hope this Christmas

Justice & Advocacy

The impact of the cost-of-living crisis is increasing and taking its toll on our most vulnerable community members — children. This Christmas, Anglicare Southern Queensland is calling on the community to help children in out-of-home care to have the Christmas, and the future, they deserve

Print article

Christmas is a time for love, hope, generosity and joy. However, with increasing interest rates, inflation and general costs of goods, this Christmas is expected to be a modest affair for many Queenslanders.

Anglicare Southern Queensland Chief Executive Officer Sue Cooke said that many of their 1,600 foster and kinship carers are expected to be stretched by the cost-of-living crisis this Christmas, and they are calling on the community to help bring a little joy to these special families.

“We know that many of our clients are doing it tough at the moment,” Ms Cooke said.

“With the cost-of-living continuing to rise, spending on non-essential items such as Christmas treats and even gifts, is expected to drop.

“With your help and support, we can add a little joy for Queensland foster carers and children in their care, and help to create a special Christmas that they’ll remember forever; even a donation of $40 will help to bring joy to a child in out-of-home care, this Christmas.”

In the last year, Anglicare Southern Queensland supported 1,695 foster and kinship carers to provide 383,863 nights of care for children and young people.

“We believe that every child deserves a safe and supportive home, and we work tirelessly to match them with dedicated foster carers who can provide the love and stability they need,” Ms Cooke said.

“However, with more children entering our programs, there is always more that can be done.

“All donations will help to provide practical support for our foster and kinship care families. This includes vouchers for groceries and essentials, gifts for children and even short holiday breaks for carers and children to experience a ‘family holiday’ together.

“Community support is vital to ensuring that, together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of these children this Christmas.”

Editor’s note: For more information or to make a secure donation online, please visit the Anglicare Southern Queensland website

More Justice & Advocacy stories

Loading next article