Red Bag Appeal marks 10 years of gifting Christmas to Queensland families

With 1 in 7 Australians living in poverty right now[1], families across Queensland will be relying on the generosity of their local community and programs like Wesley Mission Queensland’s Red Bag Appeal this Christmas.

Now in its 10^th year, the appeal has grown from a small Christmas hamper activity at Wesley Mission Queensland’s Brisbane Relief Hub into the annual Red Bag Appeal, supplying thousands of Queenslanders with pantry essentials and Christmas items.

Wesley Mission Queensland Director Living Well Shane Beacall has been at the organisation since the Red Bag started and said it is a lifeline for those people doing it tough.

‘Sadly we have seen the need for assistance at Christmas grow each year in many of our services, particularly as cost-of-living pressures and household and food insecurity have made it even tougher for people to make ends meet,’ Shane said.

‘Our frontline staff have also seen the changing face of hardship – no longer is it only the long-term unemployed and people who have experienced trauma and mental health challenges needing our help, we are also seeing people who have jobs and homes but just can’t stretch the family budget far enough to cover the rising cost of expenses.’

Wesley Mission Queensland’s services exist to support people who may otherwise fall through the cracks and Red Bag supports people living from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and out to Ipswich.

Aleisha is a mum of two; her daughters are five and seven. They have received a Red Bag for the past four years. Like so many families, the rising cost of living and unexpected bills make this time of year difficult to navigate.

‘If we didn’t receive the Red Bag, it would definitely put extra pressure on us at Christmas time,’ Aliesha said.

‘We know from personal experience right now that times are tough, and a lot of families are doing it tough. So, one thing that I really do love about the Red Bag is all the extra little Christmas luxuries that come with it.’

With 1 in 6 Australians experiencing severe loneliness[2], the comfort of knowing a stranger has cared enough to help someone struggling that they will never meet is a small, yet meaningful reminder that they matter.

Loneliness has impacts not only for mental health but also physical wellness, and is particularly common among marginalised and vulnerable people. Making connections and having safe spaces like the Brisbane Relief Hub is crucial to addressing issues of social isolation and loneliness.

‘To everyone that gives to this amazing appeal, I would love to give a wholehearted thank you from the bottom of my heart,’ Aleisha said.

Wesley Mission Queensland is aiming to distribute more than 3000 Red Bags filled with essential groceries, toys, and Christmas treats, while raising up to $100,000 in donations this year.

To get involved simply collect a bag from any registered Storage King location or Wesley Mission Queensland service, fill it with Christmas essentials, and return it by Thursday 20 November. Volunteers will then check and distribute the bags to Queensland families in need. Online donations will continue to be accepted beyond this date.

Visit www.redbagappeal.org.au for more information or to donate to help fill a bag for a family in need.

-ENDS- 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sara Swan

Wesley Mission Queensland

0409 259 031