Imagine the festive season without gifts, the traditional meals, the celebrations and the joy.
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It is almost inconceivable.
But, for some in our community at least some of the traditions which bring cheer every year are exactly that.
It is about money – or the lack of it.
In our community, there is an increasing number of people struggling this Christmas because of the rising cost of living and high energy bills, according to the Salvation Army.
National research for the Salvo’s Christmas Appeal found 1.6 million Australians with children under 10-years-old would not be able to buy a Christmas gift for their family this year – an increase of over one million compared to last year.
And there were 735,000 people who knew 10 or more families who would suffer financial hardship during the festive season.
They are appalling numbers.
While figures are not known for Dubbo and Orana, there will be a disturbing number of our residents facing these issues. For many of them Christmas looks like just another grim, grinding and bleak day.
Other help organisations like the Salvos will have similar tragic tales about some of the less fortunate in our community.
The Salvos report that more Dubbo people have been seeking help in the past four months.
Residents in this region have a long-standing and admirable reputation for generosity. Some will already be out there doing their bit to help brighten up the lives of others.
But, there is something each one of us can do.
Give.
It doesn’t have to be money and if it is then it doesn’t have to be a great amount. And all the help organisations could do with financial support, they all have projects.
It could be as simple as re-gifting a child’s toy to parents who are struggling against the odds.
It could be baking an extra cake, plum pudding, mince pies or other goodies and handing them on. Or sharing that big Christmas dinner with battlers.
Small acts they might be, but they will make a huge difference to the recipients. The light in a kid’s eyes and the smile on his or her face would be a great reward.
So let’s all do everything we possibly can to banish Scrooge from Christmas in our region this year.