HelpingACT’s annual ‘November is Giving’ appeal finishes next week. The charity aims to prepare 270 Christmas hampers for refugees, asylum seekers, low-income families, and children under 10.

The public can help by donating money, toys, and long-life food until 1 December.

“Need is stronger than last year,” HelpingACT founder Mohammed Ali said. “The latest reports indicate that one in seven families or individuals in Canberra is struggling for food. People are skipping one meal per day. They are outrightly saying: ‘Please help us.’ Even working households are facing difficulty, let alone those without jobs or with large families.”

Foodbank’s Hunger Report, released last week, revealed that almost one in five households in the ACT and NSW earning $91,000 or more experienced food insecurity in the last year: “Even working Australians can no longer afford the basics.”

And the need will become worse between now and Christmas, Mr Ali said. “The price of everything has gone up.”

The cost of basic items has risen 25 to 30 per cent. Bananas have increased from $3.50 to $4.50 per kilogram; milk from $1.50 to $1.80 for a litre — and never before in his life, Mr Ali said, has he bought a 5kg bag of potatoes for $18.

“With the cost of living going up and up, end of year events and festivities will come with a big question mark for some families.”

The hampers, Mr Ali said, are HelpingACT’s contribution to help make those festivities easier so people in need can enjoy Christmas with the rest of Canberra.

Volunteers will pack the hampers in early December at The Link, Ginninderry’s community hub. Of the 270 hampers — 20 more than last year — 100 will go to struggling families, 100 to homeless people, and 70 to refugees and asylum seekers. Foodbank donated 20 hampers.

Mr Ali said the Christmas hampers are now a tradition for many clients — including the Early Morning Centre, a homelessness support service in Civic, which holds a Christmas party for its guests.

Director Nicole Wiggins described HelpingACT as one of the EMC’s “most frequent and generous donors”.

“The people who use the EMC are among the most disadvantaged people in the ACT,” she said. “The EMC greatly appreciates all the support and assistance provided by HelpingACT. The clients of the EMC are extremely grateful for the meals, Christmas hampers, and the overall generosity and kindness of all members of HelpingACT.”

“It gives us a great feeling when we see homeless people taking those hampers and wish that they have a wonderful Christmas,” Mr Ali said.

HelpingACT will also give more than 100 toys to children and make 11 gift bags for Ronald McDonald House, which supports families of children receiving medical treatment.

The public can help by:

• Donating online via the charity’s Giving Tree. All donations above $2 are tax deductible.
• Donate food or toys. Drop-off points are the Franklin Hub and HelpingACT’s food bank at 180 London Circuit (Saturdays). Drop-offs must be pre-arranged via [email protected], and match the items listed.

Zakia Patel, executive director of the Multicultural Hub Canberra and Queanbeyan, said HelpingACT was “an incredible source of support” for its clients and community members.

“As service demand increases, with many community members unable to support themselves financially, being able to share the resources needed to provide them with the best outcome is vital,” she said.

“For us, collaborating with Helping ACT means that our clients are provided with essential food support, allowing us to focus on other areas of practical support. 

“Many clients connected with Helping ACT are temporary visa holders, not eligible for any government financial support. They rely on Helping ACT to feed themselves and their children. For many, the opportunity to then volunteer and give back to others is an essential part of their journey.”

People in need were also grateful for HelpingACT’s support.

Jamila, a survivor of domestic violence, said: “Your help with food, groceries, and emergency essentials has been truly life-changing. In times of stress and uncertainty, your kindness brought stability, dignity, and hope. Your compassion and dedication make a real difference in people’s lives, including mine. I am truly grateful for the way you show up for the community with so much care.”

Another client, Laila, said: “Their help has made it easier for us to continue our lives, and I am very grateful to them.”

Murray, who has been involved with HelpingACT for four years, said: “They run a great organisation — they help people who can’t afford the new rise of cost of living, and they also help new families from different countries and the homeless. I am so proud of HelpingACT. Keep up the great work.”

HelpingACT’s Giving Month continues until 30 November. Donations can be made at helpingact.org.