Coast Shelter Christmas appeal more critical than ever

With a staggering 55 per cent increase in demand for its services in the past financial year, Coast Shelter is urging the community to rally together for its 2024 Christmas Appeal.

As families face mounting pressures from the housing crisis and rising cost of living, Coast Shelter is striving to bridge the growing gap, but can’t do it alone.

CEO Lee Shearer said this year’s appeal was more critical than ever, providing a lifeline for families and individuals in crisis.

Funds and donations raised will help deliver food, gifts and essential support to those who would otherwise face one of the toughest times in their lives with little hope.

“Every day, we’re seeing the heartbreaking reality of more families and individuals needing help just to get by,” Shearer said.

“Christmas should be a time of joy, but for many in our community, it’s a time of worry and despair.

“Our appeal offers a way for everyone to step up and make a difference, helping turn this season of struggle into one of hope.”

There are many ways to lend a hand this Christmas.

Every dollar of a financial donation goes directly toward helping people in the community in crisis.

Just $10 provides a hot meal for one visitor to the community centre over the festive period, while $100 provides a fresh produce box for Christmas lunch in one of Coast Shelter’s refuges.

Christmas food hampers or individual items can be delivered to Coast Shelter head office at 346 Mann St, North Gosford by December 9.

Another way to help is to choose an item from the Client Wishlist, which features suggestions for men, women, children and youth in refuge; visit coastshelterchristmasappeal.com.au

New unwrapped gift donations for the Charity Chest at Erina Fair can be dropped off from December 4-15.

Support Coast Shelter’s gift wrapping service by having your gifts wrapped by volunteers at Erina Fair from December 4-12, with proceeds going directly to the appeal.

Buy a gift from Little Paws Big Roars, partnering with Coast Shelter this festive season.

Fifty per cent of profits from every Little Paws product sold until December 24 will be donated to Coast Shelter’s Christmas Appeal.

A single donation could make all the difference for someone spending Christmas alone due to family breakdown or a family struggling to provide a meal this holiday season.

Every dollar, every gift, and every food hamper has the power to transform a challenging time into one filled with care and compassion.

“This year, more than ever, we need our community to unite,” Shearer said.

“Your generosity is the hope these families and individuals need to face the future.

“Let’s show them that the Central Coast cares.”

Donations to the Coast Shelter Christmas Appeal can be made online at www.coastshelterchristmasappeal.com.au/donate