Number of those in need increases as more help charities’ end-of-year fundraisers

While this year’s rising cost of living is pushing more people to seek help, more Geraldton locals are also giving generously to charities during this busy time of year.

Several Geraldton charities have reported more and more people reaching out for assistance, but they are also receiving more generous donations.

Foodbank Geraldton manager Jamie O’Brien said requests for assistance had increased in December after what had already been a difficult period.

He said over the past four months Foodbank Geraldton had moved about 35,000kg of stock per month but that number was expected to break 40,000kg in December.

The number of people visiting Foodbank had been around 400-450 people a week but has increased to more than 500.

“December is traditionally a very busy month in terms of trade but to see numbers like we currently are is unprecedented — but not unexpected,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Each month for the last six our trade figures have increased: more people through the door, more stock going out, more demand.

“Most of our new customers tell a similar story — increased rent, increased fuel prices, increased food prices. Their income just does not go as far as it used to.”

While pressure is high, Mr O’Brien said their end-of-year fundraiser had gone well, receiving more than $10,000 and more than 300kg of stock.

Centacare Geraldton’s Christmas appeal has raised more than $15,000 in financial donations and has also received an “overwhelming” amount of gifts and food, according to general manager administration Cassie Willems.

“We are lucky to live in the city we do where people, regardless of what is happening in their own lives, will come together and help those in need,” she said.

Ms Willems said the past two weeks had been very busy, with most volunteers pulling up their sleeves to help, and more still to be done with Centacare’s Christmas day community lunch at the Catholic Centre.

Geraldton Salvation Army has announced it will provide 70 Geraldton families with Christmas hampers after receiving thousands of dollars worth of toys.

Christmas Major Peter Spindler said there had been an increase in people seeking help this year, driven by the rising cost of living, and he expected that number to remain high well into next year.

St Vincent de Paul Geraldton manager Tracy Skines said Vinnies was “flat out” with the amount of donations the shop is receiving, as many were clearing out their households as the year ends and families prepare for new presents.

“We have so many donations every day on our back dock, we blow it out of the park,” she said.