With winter just around the corner, we're preparing for what is traditionally a challenging time. The colder weather is usually accompanied by increased requests for support from struggling families and individuals. The added strain of the COVID-19 pandemic will severely stretch our resources.

Today we launched our ‘Share the Warmth’ winter appeal giving you the opportunity to warm the lives of those doing it tough, practically and emotionally.

The need in our community has never been greater, with one in six children in Australia living in poverty and a 22% increase in the number of people seeking food support from a charity in the last 12 months.

Sadly, these statistics will continue to rise, as will the need for mental health services, as the rate of unemployment increases and social isolation grows due to COVID-19. However, if we work together, we can help change the story for many of the most vulnerable in our community.

Due to the emergence of COVID-19, new social-distancing rules and the need to minimise travel, this year's appeal is calling people to act online to support those in need.

A dedicated winter appeal page has been established at https://stw.gives/2020 to make it easy for people to donate.

Our Share the Warmth appeal page also allows people to set up their own fundraiser which they can share with their friends, family and colleagues through any digital platform. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible and will be used to help feed those who are hungry, provide warm clothing and blankets to those who are cold, and counselling to those that need a listening ear in this time of crisis.

To complement our ‘Share the Warmth’ winter appeal we have developed some handy hints to help you save money, stay healthy and keep warm this winter. You can read the blog and download the printable poster at https://stw.gives/tips.

As always, we thank you for your continued support of Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Ltd.

Together we can make a difference…