Hundreds For Thousands: Your last chance to make a difference for those doing it tough in Canberra
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Natalie Tanchevski has seen first-hand how the cost-of-living crisis has impacted Canberra’s most disadvantaged.
Her annual fundraiser, Hundreds For Thousands, runs across the festive season and will finish this weekend on Sunday 4 February.
Originally intended to provide grocery vouchers during the Christmas Week for vulnerable Canberrans through The Salvation Army, Nat has extended the scope of the fundraiser because, as she puts it, January can sometimes pose even more of a challenge than the festive season.
“Post-Christmas is just as important for us as January typically sees a second wave of people reaching out to the Salvos for assistance due to financial challenges following the aftermath of Christmas and the holiday season. This is why our message has now turned to ‘Christmas may have come and gone but your help is still needed’.”
So far, the campaign and teams have raised $64,895 of their $100,000 goal, every dollar of which is critically needed, according to Pooja Popat, The Salvation Army’s Acting PR Representative – ACT.
“With indications that the cost-of-living crisis will be extending well into 2024, the pressure will remain on families,” explains Pooja. “Household budgets are continuing to be tight, especially coming through a tough year and also exaggerated by recent Christmas costs which are still weighing heavy.”
“This is a period of increasing costs and financial stress sometimes owing to credit card debt and back-to-school expenses. Through January, expenses will cause strain on families following the spends during the holiday season.”
Natalie Tanchevski, founder of Hundreds For Thousands.
For Natalie, the answer was extending the campaign, so families could continue to be supported.
“Rest assured I can hand on heart guarantee that all funds raised stay local to help locals, which makes it a great opportunity for Canberrans to confidently ‘Give where you live’,” says Natalie.
“We are committed to helping as many families in need as possible but we can’t do it alone. It takes a village to raise money for charity. Please help us to help those who need it most. Plus, your donation will be doubled* thanks to our generous “Super Donors”, so a little helps A LOT!”
For some families, it’s simply a large electricity bill or back-to-school costs that can send them into a spiral of debt, says Pooja. When this happens, the Salvos are there to help.
“We need your help to provide practical support in the form of hampers, food vouchers and financial assistance to help families pay bills,” says Pooja. “Every bit helps to assist families save, get on top of their bills and get back on their feet. These acts of kindness let families know they are not alone in their struggles.”
“Every 17 seconds, The Salvation Army responds to a call for help. Times are tough. Over the last year we’ve seen more and more people reaching out to the Salvos than ever before— the need has never been greater.”
“The campaign has been going well and we still have one week to reach our target of $100,000 to assist families doing it tough and we need your help. Super Donors have generously earmarked funds to match donations so everything you give will be doubled.”*
*up to $5000 per Salvos centre
