Perth’s largest Christmas Day charity event, Christmas Lunch in the Park, was officially launched today and is expected to host more guests than the previous 30 years as WA families face increased financial hardship with rising interest rates and the increasing cost of living.

Mission Australia WA State Manager, Angie Paskevicius, said with interest rates and other living expenses continuing to increase, the financial pressure on many families can be too much to provide a Christmas meal and presents for their children.

“Through our services, Mission Australia has witnessed that even though Western Australia is experiencing a strong economy, not everyone is sharing in the state’s prosperity,” Ms Paskevicius said.

“There has been a dramatic growth in the number of ‘working poor’, which appears to be the result of a persistence of low paid jobs and higher levels of casual and part time positions.

“With the increased cost of living many parents are turning to Mission Australia to make their Christmas Day special. They need us to help provide their children with presents and a meal – so their Christmas is as happy as it is for other children throughout WA.

“We usually have between 1,500 to 1,800 attend each year but we are expecting to reach - or even surpass – 2,000 people at this year’s event. The majority of our guests will be struggling families, homeless people, migrants and those who have lost loved ones and have no family to spend the day with.”

Over 400 volunteers will provide a meal, distribute presents, entertain and provide companionship for West Australians who have no one to share Christmas Day with.

The annual event continues to be a feature of Perth’s festive season, with Perth companies and hundreds of volunteers and donors joining together to make sure Christmas is a special time for those in need.

Ms Paskevicius said Christmas Lunch in the Park is both an important service and a social event for families and individuals who are experiencing poverty, marriage breakdown, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse or homelessness.

“Every year we receive such strong support from all walks of life in the Perth community working to find and share the real spirit of Christmas with each other,” she said.

“Guests on the day range from children, to homeless youths and to people in their eighties – so we encourage those donating presents to keep these demographics in mind and help them have a great day.”

Christmas Lunch in the Park is the culmination of Mission Australia’s annual Christmas Appeal, which includes the distribution of presents and the provision of support services to families in need.

Enquiries regarding table sponsorship, donations of money, presents and foodstuffs should be directed to the Mission Australia Christmas Lunch in the Park hotline on 9225 0411 or email beecha@missionaustralia.com.au

For media inquiries please contact: Tiffany Winch-Buist from PPR on 0433 186 516