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With the festive season in full swing, most of us fall into one of two camps: extremely organised with presents already wrapped and the Christmas day menu sorted, or the last-minute shopper, who works best under pressure. Either way, it’s a time when shopping lists grow, carts fill quickly and the rush to find ‘the perfect gift’ becomes a familiar annual ritual. Yet many of those presents – the novelty mug, the hand cream gift set – are soon forgotten.
Research from The Australia Institute shows Australians are increasingly favouring thoughtful, purpose-led gifts — with more than half saying they’d prefer not to receive a traditional gift at all. From gifting thoughtful experiences to donating to charities in a loved one’s name, Australian’s are making the shift. After all, Christmas is about giving and that couldn’t be truer for current and former Defence Force Members. Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that across Australia, one in 20 Australian households have at least one person who has served in the Australia Defence Force.
The festive paradox
While the holiday season brings joy to many, it can also be challenging for veterans facing trauma, isolation or financial stress. The pressure to celebrate, coupled with rising end-of-year costs and reduced access to services, can make Christmas a peak time for crisis.
Wounded Heroes, has been there through it all.
This national grassroots charity provides 24/7 emergency crisis support for current serving Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families. Their help is immediate – usually within minutes – offering essentials such as groceries, fuel vouchers and even emergency accommodation. While government-funded services are vital, many operate only during office hours or require lengthy paperwork. But crisis doesn’t wait, and Wounded Heroes answers the call anytime including during the Christmas period when the need for help is at its highest. But with no government funding for crisis support, Wounded Heroes relies entirely on public donations to keep their phone line, and lifeline, open.
“Every dollar becomes boots-on-the-ground support — making sure no veteran faces Christmas hungry or without a safe place to sleep,” says Martin Shaw, President from Wounded Heroes Australia.
A gift that lasts beyond Christmas
Instead of another bottle of wine or stocking-stuffer, a donation to Wounded Heroes is a gift that changes a life. It might be the reason a family can stay together in safe accommodation. The reason a veteran has food on the table. The reason someone feels seen, supported and never forgotten.
Donate today at woundedheroes.org.au — and help ensure no Australian veteran is left behind this Christmas.
Wounded Heroes is a national, grassroots charity that provides 24/7 crisis support for current serving Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families that experience financial crisis, homelessness or are at risk, or family and domestic violence (FDV). If they need urgent financial support for things such as food, fuel and / or emergency accommodation – we are only a phone call away: 1300 532 112
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