Charities experience unprecedented demand for support over Christmas

More than 10,000 families have been supported this year by UnitingSA’s Port Adelaide centre as the cost of living crisis cuts into Christmas.

Single mother of five Samantha with her children at Uniting SA's toy room at Port Adelaide. Picture: Mark Brake

With everything Samantha has gone through, it was like a small miracle when her children finally received their Christmas presents.

“I tried to think positive for those five kids. It’s been hard for me to stay alive and if it wasn’t for them, I think I would just be lost,” she said.

It included a spell of homelessness, escaping domestic violence, and briefly flatlining on the operating table during the birth of her fifth child.

Samantha’s family are among one of more than 10,000 families who have been supported this year by UnitingSA’s Port Adelaide centre, amid unprecedented demand.

With Samantha (whose surname has been withheld) searching for a job, having relied on her ex-husband until they separated a couple of months ago, she said the only gifts the children received this year – and last year – were from UnitingSA’s Toy Room.

“I just couldn’t afford anything … you’ve got electricity and gas bills and everything else and your money just goes quick,” she said.

“They were so happy to get their presents.

“I told them they could have one now and the other one is going to be wrapped for Christmas, and they can’t wait to open them all.”

UnitingSA chief executive Jenny Hall said 700 families are expected to seek help this year during the festive season, a 40 per cent rise.

“There has actually been no fall in donations this year, but we are struggling to keep up with the demand because it is going through the roof,” Ms Hall said.

Hutt St Centre chief executive Chris Burns said at least half of the service’s 2000 clients this year were new faces, a “significant increase” from the 2022-23 financial year.

*Surname changed to protect identity