When we are caught up buying presents and over indulging in food, Christmas can be a time when we often forget what really matters.

But bad experiences and misfortunes can culminate at Christmas time, which means for vulnerable and marginalised Australians, Christmas can be the hardest time of the year.

For the Salvos it’s our busiest period, with more than 300,000 families and individuals seeking assistance.

We give out more than 500,000 gifts and toys, and serve over 10,000 meals to those who don’t have the means to celebrate Christmas. 

We can only meet this need because year after year Australians come together and stand by those doing it tough.

This, I believe, is the true meaning of Christmas. 

So this holiday season let’s remember those going it alone.

By donating $29 to The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal, you can help put a present under the tree and food on the table, bringing hope where it’s needed most.

Neil Venables

National Secretary for Communications  

The Salvation Army