THERE are a lot of families in Orange that find it hard to make ends meet according to St Vincent de Paul Bathurst Central Council president Bob Lulham who says his charity’s seen a 25 per cent increase in demand for help in the past year.
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Mr Lulham’s comments come after St Vincent de Paul launched its winter appeal yesterday.
“Winter is the time when electricity is used a lot more and the cost of heating is quite prohibitive some times,” he said.
Mr Lulham said it’s not only power bills that are costly for clients, many families also find it hard to pay for food.
“This is something we see a lot but especially when it comes to ensuring young children have food before they go to school to ensure they can engage and learn.”
Mr Lulham said Vinnies’ breaking the barriers program offers Coles vouchers at schools to help provide breakfast to children in need.
“I think some people would be surprised at the small amount of resources some people have to pay for things,” he said.
Mr Lulham said at this time of year the charity welcomes donations of warm clothes, blankets and bedding.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO Michael Perusco said his organisation is concerned that high housing costs are forcing people to compromise on other essentials such as food, paying bills or clothing.
“Once again we see that housing affordability is one of the greatest drivers of poverty in modern day Australia,” he said.
Mr Perusco said between June and August 2014 the St Vincent de Paul Society provided help to over 30,000 people in NSW providing over $4.1 million worth of assistance, an increase of $800,000 for the same period in 2013.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
