(08) 8269 9333 stateoffice@lutherancare.org.au
Image of a young boy looking out the window and an older woman in a dressing gown drinking a hot drink to keep warm. Text reads heavy hearts hungry bellies give what you can this winter. Lutheran Care logo and Winter Appeal 2023 appears at the bottom of graphic.
For our 2023 Winter Appeal, we asked our clients, Oscar*, 6, and his grandmother Carol*, to share with us an insight into what life is like for them.
Image of a young boy looking sadly at camera.
Winter Appeal

Oscar's Story

I used to love coming to visit Nanna. Now Mum is in heaven, I have to live here. It’s not as much fun. But Nanna is trying really hard. She doesn’t know I know but I see her looking really sad sometimes.

She tells me we can’t put the heater on because the bills cost too much. We are lucky we have rugs to put over our knees while we watch footy on the TV. I like Crows but she likes Port!

I feel hungry a lot, but I don’t tell Nanna. I can’t concentrate when I’m hungry. I used to get blueberries but we can’t afford them anymore. Now the food in my lunchbox comes from the bag the Lutheran Care ladies give us. I don’t get invited to many birthday parties but when I do, my present is never as good as what the other kids bring.

Nanna is getting help from Lutheran Care to find out how we might get more money. Her place is small but she takes me to the park so I can kick the footy. I miss Mum but I know I’m lucky to have Nanna, and we’re both lucky to have Lutheran Care.

Your donation can help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Give families the chance to build a better future.

Winter Appeal

Carol's Story

 When I took on responsibility for Oscar, I really didn’t know how I was going to manage it. I’m on a pension and don’t have much in the way of Superannuation.

Money just doesn’t seem to go as far anymore. When my husband was alive, we ate meat most nights. Nowadays, it’s only once or twice a week. Even mince is expensive! Otherwise we eat soups and casseroles. I water them down to make them go further. I buy frozen vegetables as fresh ones are too dear. I don’t need much to eat – I prefer to let Oscar eat. I sometimes think Oscar has hollow legs, but I know he’s just growing. It breaks my heart when he feels hungry. He lies and says he doesn’t. I am ashamed I can’t provide better for him.

My friend who volunteers at Lutheran Care told us to visit them. They gave us food, blankets, and a $50 voucher for the Op Shop. There, I found Oscar some school clothes and football boots, basically brand new! I am so grateful – there was no other way I could afford them.

I’m in a small unit but the rent is rising. There are issues with the home but I’m nervous to complain in case we get kicked out. I saw on the news that homelessness is a rising issue for old people like me.

I am worried how we will go this Winter. It gets very cold where we are. In the mornings, as I get Oscar ready for school, I can feel it in my bones.

Life is hard but we have our health and each other. We are so very fortunate. I give prayers of thanks every day.

*Names and images have been de-identified to protect clients’ privacy.

Lutheran Care

How You Can Help

There are many families out there that need some help this Winter. Your donation to Lutheran Care will help us provide Emergency Relief and ongoing support to people in crisis.

402 new clients presented to our Financial Counselling team in 2021/22.
402 new clients presented to our Financial Counselling team in 2021/22.
32% of clients accessing our Emergency Relief service are homeless or currently experiencing insecure housing
A total of 1108 counselling and case management sessions were offered through our Family and Relationship services in 2021/22. An increase of 33.8% on the previous year.
In 2021/22 Lutheran Care Emergency Relief provided crisis relief services and food and basic necessities to 1648 Australians and their families across South Australia and Northern Territory
Demand for our Emergency Relief service has risen by 260 per cent in two years.
Right now, 85 per cent of enquiries for our homelessness services are from clients seeking services for the first time.
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