More than 61% of Aussies have been impacted by cost of living this year, new research has found.

The Salvation Army have launched their annual Christmas Appeal , which aims to raise $23 million to support Aussies in need during the festive season, with the help of champions Erin Molan and Beau Ryan.

Erin and Beau have supported the work of The Salvos over the years, seeing first-hand the impact of The Salvos’ work in the community, and reunited to throw their support behind this year’s vital Christmas Appeal.

This comes as new research has been conducted by The Salvation Army, finding that over 6 in 10 Australians (61%) have been significantly impacted by the rising cost of living this year, making the work of The Salvos at Christmas time this year more important than ever.

The Salvation Army’s National Public Relations Secretary, Major Bruce Harmer, said: “The need that The Salvos are seeing this year is immense. The increased cost of living has meant that everyday Aussies are feeling the pinch, and more people have been reaching out for support, some for the first time. At The Salvation Army, we believe that no one needs to go without at Christmas time, but we can’t do that without the generous support of the public through our Christmas Appeal.”

The research also found that over one third (36.7%) of Australians are worried about affording presents for their family and friends this Christmas, and that over 1 in 5 people (22%) are feeling lonelier this year compared to last year. 

“As a mum, it is devastating to hear that so many Aussies are worried about affording gifts or meals for their kids this Christmas. I know that it would break my heart if my daughter didn’t have something special to unwrap on Christmas Day. “It’s been a really tough couple of years and now more than ever with the increasing cost of living pressures, too many Aussies are falling through the cracks,” Sky News presenter and radio presenter Erin Molan said.

That is why I am throwing my support behind the Salvos this Christmas. No one should have to go it alone, especially at Christmas. So, if you or a loved one needs a hand, please don’t suffer in silence, reach out to The Salvos.”

TV personality and ex-NRL player Beau Ryan said: “I am proud to an ambassador for The Salvation Army and to be supporting their annual Christmas Appeal. I have seen their work in action. I had the privilege of visiting one of the Salvos incredible drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres in Sydney and was so moved as I met with people as their journey to recovery. I have also visited my local Salvos in the shire and saw the phenomenal work they do at Christmas. As always, the Salvos are there for anyone in need.

“If you can, support the Salvos vital work this Christmas. It’s a special time of the year and you can play a part in giving hope where it’s needed most. Please donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, and let’s do what we can as Aussies to leave no one in need this Christmas”.

During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally distributed over 64,000 hampers and vouchers to those struggling to make ends meet, hundreds of thousands of gifts and toys to families who might otherwise have gone without, over 130,000 meals, and provided more than 66,000 beds for over 10,000 families in need of accommodation during the festive season.

To give hope, please donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). You can also donate at any Salvos Store.