Welcome to The Big SECC Christmas Drive.
Our goal is to make Christmas as bright as possible for vulnerable people in our community.
Those facing domestic violence… those facing extreme isolation… those experiencing food insecurity…
These people are our primary concern.
Charities such as South Eastern Community Connect have seen increased demand for food relief in recent months.
In 2019, 15% of Australians experiencing food insecurity were seeking food relief at least once a week.
In 2020, this has doubled to 31%.
Many are experiencing food insecurity for the first time.
The casual workforce and international students are newly food-insecure.
COVID-19 has been a catalyst for a chain of negative events of which food shortage is only a part.
As bills pile up, stress and unmet physical needs are likely to cause a decline in mental health.
Government assistance provides only temporary relief.
JobKeeper and JobSeeker has been a means of survival for businesses and individuals. But of those in need of government assistance, only 38% suggest these payments have helped their situation.
Over 60% are not receiving the help they need (37% needed additional assistance, 21% were ineligible, 4% found it too difficult to apply).
Although the government is providing temporary relief, charities and food-insecure Australians are feeling uneasy about the future.
South Eastern Community Connect is on the frontline of providing food relief to residents of south-east Sydney.
During the pandemic, the team delivered thousands of meals to local community members.
Shelter NSW and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) both recognised this, and we are now the lead local agency involved in pandemic planning in the housing estate towers of Eastlakes and Rosebery.
And this is where you come in.
We are now welcoming donations of non-perishable food, essentials and Christmas gifts for vulnerable people at the following locations:
- The SECC Community Hub in Mascot (1007 Botany Rd)
- The SECC Head Office – Shop 84, Eastlakes Shopping Centre
- Bendigo Bank at 222 Clovelly Rd, Coogee
- Laing + Simmons Rosebery (The Cannery)
- Participating cafes (TBA)
Please call 02 7903 0607 if you can help with the following:
Thanks for your help!