Today, 1 June, marks the start of Winter and with temperatures plunging where we’re headquartered in South Australia and rain battering much of the state, the new season is certainly making itself known.

Today also marks the official start of Lutheran Care’s Winter Appeal.

The Winter Appeal is an important fundraiser for Lutheran Care’s work with vulnerable people and families in the community. Funds raised through the Winter Appeal help the organisation to run programs that do not receive any government funding, including Emergency Relief, which offers vital and immediate support such as food, blankets and clothing to individuals and families in crisis.

This year for the winter appeal, we are sharing the story of our client Anthony*, a single father to two young children who fell on hard times after being injured and not being able to do his job as a forklift driver.

He would leave the power off during the day and kept to a diet of baked beans and instant noodles so he could afford a nourishing meal and breakfast for his children.

*READ ANTHONY’S FULL STORY HERE*

Our compassionate and empathetic staff wrapped services and support around Anthony, including Emergency Relief, Financial and Personal Counselling. Our Financial Counsellor continued to work with Anthony to help him claim income protection insurance he was entitled to and support him to make a longer term plan to ensure a brighter future for him and his children.

This is just one story from the many clients we support.

“Winter can be a difficult and devastating time for the families that Lutheran Care supports,” says Lutheran Care Chief Executive Officer Rohan Feegrade.

Our clients can find themselves between a rock and a hard place trying to keep themselves and their families warm but not being able to afford the rising costs of utilities. The cold and wet weather is also another cruel blow for the people experiencing rough sleeping and homelessness whom we support.

“Every donation to Lutheran Care will help us provide much needed services including emergency relief, emergency accommodation, domestic violence support, financial and personal counselling, and so much more,” Mr Feegrade says.

“Our communities are stronger when each and every person feels included and cared for.

“Please join us this winter so we can help more people take their first step to a brighter future.”

Will you support our Winter Appeal?

Your donation to the Lutheran Care Winter Appeal can help us to help people in need. People like Anthony and his children.

Will you support a family in need this Winter?

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

To make an online donation, click here.

To find out more about the Winter Appeal and other ways to donate, click here.

*Anthony’s name has been changed to protect his and his family’s privacy.