Dear Valued Supporter,

Winter can be a difficult and devastating time for the families that Lutheran Care supports. 

This year many are facing a season of uncertainty due to the rising cost of living. Sadly, some will not have enough money to keep their children warm at night or provide their families with a wholesome meal. Families such as Anthony’s.

Anthony* is a single father who built a life working hard to provide a safe and stable environment for his two young children. However, his world was turned upside down last year when he lost his job as a forklift driver due to injury.

For the first time in his life, Anthony felt hopeless and ashamed. He was never one to ask for money and found it challenging to accept government support. However, it did not cover his rental payments or the utilities bills.

Though the days were cold and dark, Anthony was forced to turn the lights and heating off while his children were at school. His diet consisted of baked beans and two-minute noodles, so that his children could enjoy a hot meal at night and breakfast in the morning.

In only a matter of weeks, Anthony’s situation worsened and he found himself spiralling into debt. He did not have enough money for food and was left on the brink of eviction. Exhausted and full of despair, Anthony faced a frightening reality that he and his children would soon be homeless. 

When Anthony walked through our doors at Lutheran Care, our staff engaged with him by showing empathy and compassion. He sat down with an emergency relief worker who listened to his story. She wasted no time and gave him much-needed essential items including food, blankets and clothing.