Salvos encourage connection and community this Christmas
1 in 4 Aussies will avoid social events, 18% won’t see family because of financial hardship
The Salvation Army is calling the Australian community to come together and look out for their fellow Aussies in need this Christmas, as new research illustrates the loneliness and isolation many will feel during this festive season.
Recent research from the Salvos surveyed 2,005 people and found that 1 in 4 Australians (25%) said they will avoid social events because of a shortage of money, almost 1 in 5 (18%) won’t be seeing family and friends for the same reason, and 14% saying they will feel lonely or isolated this Christmas.*
Further, 21% said they would find their mental health challenging this festive season and a shocking 1.3 million (6%) said they would have no one to talk to in times of need.
“This Christmas is a time to come together as a nation and look out for one another. While Christmas is a time of joy for so many, some find it to be extremely lonely and isolating. For some, the financial pressure of seeing family and friends is too much, while others don’t have family or friends to turn to, and that is what we are seeing in our research,” said Commissioner Mark Campbell from The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal is currently aiming to raise $29 million to ensure they can support Australians doing it tough at Christmas, including through community meals and events that combats loneliness and isolation.
“The true hope and joy of Christmas is something we all need this year, and the Salvos are committed to providing that for Aussies doing it tough. If you are struggling, experiencing loneliness or isolation, or need a hand, please reach out to your local Salvation Army. We are here for you. And if you are in the position to donate, please consider supporting The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal this year,” added Commissioner Campbell.
During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally:
- received over 350,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without,
- provided over 177,000 meals to those experiencing homelessness,
- and provided more than 89,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation during the festive season.**
To donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need help from the Salvos, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). You can also make donations at any Salvos Store.
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For more information, please contact The Salvation Army’s Media Relations Department on (02) 94663143
*A Pureprofile survey for The Salvation Army surveyed 2,005 people in a nationally representative sample size and this has been extrapolated to reflect the general Australian population. Extrapolated numbers are based on the estimated Australian population aged 18 and older, 22,189,796 based on ABS data as seen here https://www.ibisworld.com/australia/bed/population-aged-18-and-older/15015/
** The Salvation Army, Christmas data summary report September 2025