The ripple effect of the Red Bag Appeal
Fill a Red Bag to help struggling Queensland families this Christmas
Queenslanders are being called to make a difference this Christmas by filling a bag, donating, or volunteering as part of the annual Red Bag Appeal.
With over 3.7 million Australian households struggling to put food on the table due to rising cost-of- living pressures, Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) is launching its Red Bag Appeal on Monday, 28 October, aiming to bring hope and joy to families facing hardship this festive season.
Through the generosity of Queenslanders, WMQ is once again aiming to distribute more than 3,000 Red Bags filled with essential groceries, toys, and Christmas treats, while raising up to $80,000 in donations. The Red Bag Appeal has become an important annual event, with families in need coming to rely on it every Christmas—or in the face of tough times.
Amanda, a Queensland mother who has been receiving Red Bags from WMQ for almost three years, shared how the appeal has provided crucial support to her family, especially over Christmas time.
With the cost of living so high, it’s tough to cover all the bills, put food on the table, and still make Christmas feel special for my kids. The Red Bag helps us do that—it’s those extra bits of food and gifts that really make a difference.
Amanda shared how even the smallest things donated in the Red Bag are often the ones that have the most impact and create a lasting special memory of Christmas for the kids.
“Last year, my son, who has autism, received a little stretchy-man toy in the Red Bag, and he absolutely loved it because of its sensory feel—it was something I never would have thought of getting him,” said Amanda.
“Affording specialised items that support his learning and development is really difficult, especially towards the end of the year when other bills pile up. The Red Bag has made such a difference in helping provide those extra little things that mean so much to him.”
“My daughter Ivy can’t wait to go through the Red Bag each year. She found a little doll last year, and it became her favourite thing on Christmas” Amanda said.
Without the Red Bag Appeal, I’d really struggle to make Christmas feel memorable for my kids. Any help—whether it’s food or toys—goes a long way.
WMQ’s Director of Living Well, Shane Beacall, anticipates a record demand for Christmas groceries, as many households struggle to make ends meet. Mr Beacall emphasised the growing need in the community, noting the rising number of people in Australia facing severe food insecurity.
"With inflation at an all-time high, families across Queensland are feeling the strain, particularly as we head into the holiday season,", Mr Beacall said.
With 2 million Australian households experiencing severe food insecurity, Christmas can bring added stress instead of joy. The Red Bag Appeal helps ease some of that burden by providing food and gifts that make the festive season a little brighter.
From Monday, 28 October, you can get involved in the Red Bag Appeal by filling a Red Bag with Christmas essentials, volunteering to wrap presents or distribute the bags, or donate, just $50 can help provide a bag to a family in need.
To participate in filling a bag, simply collect a bag from any registered Storage King location or WMQ service from 28 October, fill it with Christmas essentials, and return it by 22 November. Volunteers will then check and distribute the bags to Queensland families in need.
This Christmas, give a little, gift a lot, for more information on how to get involved, visit the Red Bag Appeal website.