Last year Jenny's daughter spent the Christmas period in hospital critically ill. Between staying by her daughter's beside and trying to find money to cover additional medical expenses, Jenny didn't have time to think about Christmas.
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She is a single mother and was unable to find work while caring for her daughter's health needs. Jenny reached out to City Mission to see if they could help her provide a loving Christmas for her daughter. The charity was able to provide food for the table and gifts for the rest of the family.
"You've put some joy back in our Christmas," Jenny said upon receiving the supplies.
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Jenny's situation is not unique. A wide variety of people across Northern Tasmania face food uncertainty and struggle to celebrate what most would consider a normal holiday period.
Take Tom and Mercia. Last year they found themselves in need of help after Tom lost his job and the family had been evicted. With four children to feed and after being evicted from their house they were in desperate need of assistance. Temporary accommodation costs on top of bills, food and petrol costs had left them financially drained.
City Mission was able to provide general pantry supplies as well as Christmas food and gifts for all for of the couples children.
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Throughout the year as the COVID-19 pandemic ripped the heart out of Australia's economy, calls to crisis support services skyrocketed and with Christmas approaching it is logical to assume there will be many people in need of assistance.
Every year The Examiner runs the Empty Stocking Appeal to raise money for four charities helping people across the North.
City Mission is one of those recipients. Marketing and fundraising manager Rafael Demarchi said the appeal was a vital piece of funding to allow the mission to carry out its services.
He said the charity could support more than 900 clients this Christmans period.
"We know many families are struggling to buy food and pay bills due to the COVID-19 impact. The support we can provide can determine if a family will spend Christmas with food on the table and a roof over their heads," Mr Demarchi said.
"It is hard to believe, but it is the reality for many in our community, and we don't want that, especially after the year we've had.
"The donation we receive from The Examiner goes to support the many families and individuals that are experiencing hardship this Christmas."
You can donate to the Empty Stocking Appeal in person at participating stores or through electronic funds transfer - BSB: 035 822 Acc: 011443538
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Jackson Worthington
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
