Making ends meet has been tough for many Sunshine Coast families over the past few years. Since 2022, the cost of living is through the roof, including;
- food prices up by 15 per cent;
- housing prices up 19 per cent;
- rent prices up 21%;
- Insurance is up 37%; and
- electricity bills are up by 39 per cent.
Every week, I hear from locals who are working harder than ever just to survive.
But if there is one thing that defines our community, it is that we look out for one another, especially when times get tough. As Christmas approaches, many of our friends, family members and neighbours may need that help more than ever.
That is why I am once again supporting the IFYS Christmas Drive and encouraging locals to get behind their mission to help families across the Coast this festive season.
Each year, the team at IFYS, along with Foster Care, Urban Angels Community Kitchen and Inclusive Kids, deliver hope and happiness to children and families doing it tough. They are calling on the community once again to lend a hand.
There are plenty of simple ways to help. Donations can include:
- Small gifts for parents and children: books, toys, puzzles, games, art supplies, sports balls, skincare products, candles or homewares.
- Gift cards for young people: vouchers for department stores, supermarkets, movie tickets, cafes or clothing shops.
- Non-perishable food items for festive hampers: tinned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, long-life milk, cereal, biscuits, spreads, sauces, Christmas puddings and treats.
- Back-to-school supplies: backpacks, lunch boxes, drink bottles, stationery, notebooks and pencil cases.
Every single item, no matter how small, makes a real difference.
My office at 17 Southern Drive, Maroochydore is a drop-off point for donations. Please have unwrapped gifts or items in by Friday 12 December so they can reach families in time for Christmas.
ENDS