Aussies feeling the pinch this Christmas, Salvos survey finds

A Salvation Army survey has revealed just how financially tough this year’s festive season will turn out to be for millions of Australians.

More than 80 per cent of The Salvation Army’s clients will struggle to buy Christmas gifts for their children, while millions of Aussies admit to feeling the pinch this year.

The Salvos surveyed 1164 people who turned to the charity for emergency help, finding 83 per cent of households worried they could not afford gifts for their kids.

More than half worried about not being able to afford a special Christmas Day meal, while 51 per cent felt stressed about their mental health.

More than a third, or 36 per cent, felt lonely and isolated and 44 per cent said they “did not feel important” to others.

Sadly, more than half were not looking forward to Christmas, compared to 10 per cent of the general population.

More than half of The Salvos’ clients worried about not being able to afford a special Christmas Day meal.

A separate Salvos survey of the general population found Aussies’ festive spirit waned in a year marred by the pandemics and lockdowns.

Sixty-eight per cent of Aussies were looking forward to Christmas, down from 76 per cent in 2020, a result that was “telling” and reflected the “huge ongoing challenges” being faced by all Australians right now, The Salvos’ Major, Bruce Harmer, said.

More than 10 million Aussies reported being more stressed about their finances than they were at this time last year.

About 10.5 million Aussies (40.7 per cent) said they were feeling more stressed about their finances than they were at this time last year.

Thirty-four per cent felt more stressed than last year, while almost a third worried about how to pay for Christmas.

Meanwhile, 7.6 million (29.4 per cent) felt lonelier this year.

Major Harmer said the pandemic has been devastating for Australians, creating further burdens at Christmas time.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly increased the percentage of Australians feeling huge pressure about their finances and their emotional wellbeing, with ever-increasing numbers turning to the Salvos for emergency food, support to pay their bills, as well as seeking our help to cope with their stress, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness,” he said.

“We know that Christmas time, and its additional financial and emotional burdens, always intensifies these issues for people, but the extended period of managing the pandemic over the last two years, lockdowns and the related economic fallout, has been devastating for even more Australians.

“As always, the Salvos are here to lend a hand to anyone in need.”

The Salvos have urged people to reach out and not struggle in silence.

The survey comes as the Salvos aim to raise $20 million this year for their Christmas Appeal to help Aussies in need during the charity’s busiest time.

The charity typically distributes more than 64,000 hampers and vouchers, hundreds of thousands gifts and toys, provides more than 130,000 meals and more than 66,000 beds for those in need.

Major Harmer urged people not to struggle in silence this Christmas.

“There is no shame in reaching out for support,” he said.

“And to those in a better position, we’re calling on your generosity now more than ever and seek your urgent support for our Christmas Appeal, so we can help as many people as possible.”

Originally published as Aussies feeling the pinch this Christmas, Salvos survey finds