Give the gift of warmth this winter

With snow settling to low levels across Tasmania this week, how have you been keeping warm?

Did you pull on a puffer jacket? Sit down to a steaming bowl of soup? Turn up the electric heater?

For some Tasmanians, their choices are limited and they are facing a cold winter season.

It’s a grim experience to have to choose between essentials like rent, electricity, food and medicine.

That’s why Anglicare has launched its Winter Appeal and is encouraging you to give the gift of warmth this winter.

“Our financial counsellors often work with people whose incomes are so low, they are simply unable to meet the cost of basics,” said Anglicare CEO Chris Jones. “Given the housing shortage, people are prioritising paying the rent, but then don’t have enough money to afford sufficient heating or nutritious meals”.

“It’s unacceptable to see older people worried about turning on a heater, or young parents skipping meals to ensure there’s enough food for their children”.

“People find themselves in financial difficulty for all kinds of reasons, such as redundancy, a relationship breakdown, injury or illness,” he said.

You can help Anglicare to reach out to Tasmanians who are struggling this winter. Our financial counsellors support people to avoid power disconnection, and the Winter Appeal donations will provide opportunities to assist with one-off costs for people in crisis.

This year’s Appeal will also support the purchase of a therapy dog by Anglicare. The specially trained dog will provide attention and comfort to people staying at the Rocherlea Rehabilitation and Recovery Service to receive intensive support with mental illness. Studies show a therapy dog increases people’s physical activity and encourages routine, as well as providing a calming presence.

Gifts to the Winter Appeal can be made online, by phone on 1800 243 232 or in person at an Anglicare office.