Charities struggle to fundraise amid COVID-19 crisis
South Australians still in work during the coronavirus pandemic are being urged to do what they can to help the unemployed reeling from the crisis’ economic impact.
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Households saving money during coronavirus lockdowns are being urged to donate to charities and help those hardest hit.
A new report by the state’s peak welfare body reveals a growing divide between South Australians still in work, and those joining the Centrelink queue following sector-wide closures.
As more families lean on charities for meals and support, South Australian Council of Social Service chief executive Ross Womersley is urgently calling for people to dig deep.
“These charities are themselves struggling because their usual methods of fundraising may not be possible during the crisis or they’ve been hit because thousands of their supporters suddenly find themselves with less work and money,” Mr Womersley said.
“It’s vital that those of us who are still doing OK, step up now and help out our charities.”
The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and summer of bushfires is reflected in the SACOSS Cost of Living Update for the March quarter, which was released today.
“Economic changes resulting from COVID-19 will likely lead to an overall decrease in expenditures for average households,” the report reveals.
Researchers found that people still in work were saving money from eating in, not commuting to work, or splashing cash on recreational activities.
However, workers who had their hours reduced or were stood down would be “significantly worse off” because the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments were below the average wage.
Mr Womersley said that the safety net should be extended to ineligible workers including international students, migrants and casual workers.
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The cost of food increased 2.4 per cent in Adelaide, 0.5 per cent higher than national figures, over the quarter.
It’s been driven by higher demand and less discounting during the COVID-19 panic buying phase. Cost of living rose $11 a week over the past year for South Australians relying on the age pension, leaving them $2 out of pocket.
A single person on Newstart with two children faced a hike of $13.75 a week, leaving them $3.50 worse off than a year ago.
Mr Womersley warned the JobSeeker payment, which was almost doubled for six months, could not return to its previous low levels.