St. Vincent de Paul in Bairnsdale has expressed concern that for many local residents it won’t be a very Merry Christmas this year.
The charity has sounded the alarm bells about the number of people seeking assistance this year for not just food hampers, but somewhere to live.
As cost of living prices soar and the availability of rental housing is in short supply, president of St. Vincent de Paul in Bairnsdale, Trish Veevers, says the list for those needing help continues to grow exponentially.
“We are constantly receiving requests for assistance,” Ms Veevers said.
“The list for those receiving Christmas hampers this year has grown. We are helping many people who have never reached out for assistance before.”

IMAGE: President of St. Vincent de Paul, Trish Veevers, packs Christmas hampers with her two vice presidents, Kerrie Volk (left) and Jo De Boer.
Ms Veevers says demand for the hampers has spiked this year with more people requesting food assistance. K401-8533