News

Dig deep to aid family struggle

MORE and more children are going without meals because their mothers can’t afford the weekly grocery shop or they’re missing school because there’s not enough money to put fuel in the car after paying rent.

Some mums are skipping meals daily just so they can feed their kids and keep a roof over their head.
In such a ‘lucky’ country like Australia, this is difficult to believe but sadly, it’s the reality for more and more people, according to Bankstown Salvation Army’s Captain Belinda Zhou and Captain Frank Wang.
Hearing over 100 heart-breaking stories a week involving families, Belinda says the situation is only getting worse since covid because of the growing cost-of-living crisis.
“The Centrelink benefit barely covers rent and then you’ve got food, fuel and power costs on top of that,” she said.
“We help as much as we can with grocery and fuel vouchers, give toys to children who come in with their parent and provide a $2 morning tea and lunch to the community at our onsite courtyard cafe every Wednesday and Friday.
“It’s a struggle for most people at the moment but really tragic for those having to pay Sydney rents and everything else on a government benefit.”
The Salvation Army in Australia helps someone in need every 17 seconds but this help is only made possible through the generosity of those who support the Red Shield Appeal with the doorknock on this weekend May 20 and 21.
With Canterbury Bankstown in need of doorknock volunteers, Frank said you never know who you’ll be helping.
“It may just be yourself one day or someone you love,” he said.
To volunteer or donate to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). You can also donate at any Salvos Store.