TODAY not only marks the start of winter, but the beginning of a tough battle for Wagga families struggling to make ends meet.
Winter will bring an added burden to disadvantaged families already fighting to cope with dramatic rises in the cost of living, and more pressure on St Vincent de Paul to assist people in need.
To help St Vincent de Paul cope with the increased demand for support, the much-loved organisation will today launch its 2011 Winter Appeal.
Regional president Don Jones said monetary donations and financial support are the best ways Wagga residents can support the Winter Appeal.
The money donated during the appeal is crucial to allowing St Vincent de Paul carry out its many desperately needed programs in the city.
"We need people to realise that Micah House and the Edel Quinn Men's Shelter are both operated by St Vincent de Paul, along with the four food pantries we stock in the four Catholic Parishes," he said.
"Both Micah House and the Edel Quinn Men's Shelter are invaluable to Wagga but they both take a lot of money and support to run.
"Without the donations we receive through campaigns like the Winter Appeal it would not be possible to continue these programs.
"Micah House does more than 50 meals a day and Edel Quinn gives men shelter who would otherwise struggle to have a roof over their head."
St Vincent de Paul is also urging businesses, schools and individuals to help by donating good quality essential winter items including blankets, warm clothing such as gloves, beanies, jumpers, jackets, jeans an wet weather clothing and non-perishable food items.
"Wagga is one of the most supportive and generous centres in New South Wales ? and that is a proven fact," he said.
"Each year they give enormous amounts of money and good to help us make a difference to the lives of people in their community.
"I can't tell you how much we appreciate these donations."
The St Vincent de Paul Society anticipates that there will be an increase in demand for assistance experienced this year as more people than ever struggle to make ends meet.
Don admitted he is witnessing the state-wide trend in the city, confirming there has been a significant jump in the number of people turning to St Vincent de Paul for support.
"Three years ago we were helping 300 families a month, this year we are already helping over 500 families a month," he said.
"This can range from helping them stock their cupboards to meeting their electricity bill, paying the rent or filling the car with petrol."
Don attributed the increased need for services like St Vincent de Paul to the overall rises in the general cost of living and the huge increases to the cost of utilities.
"And the sad thing is there seems to be no end in sight, no relief coming," he said.
Vinnies manager of community and corporate relations Julie McDonald said this year's Winter Appeal campaign is focused on helping people see a better future, and realise that their dreams are still within reach.
"When we consider the impacts of the cost of living on ordinary Australians and those already dealing with disadvantage, there will be thousands of people in crisis who will face a very long, harsh, challenging and often lonely winter," she said.
"By giving to the 2011 Vinnies Winter Appeal, you can make a very real difference to the lives of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in our community."
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