Give the gift of hope this Christmas with City Mission
Christmas should be a time of joy, family, and togetherness – but for many Tasmanian families, it can also be a season of stress and hardship. City Mission’s 2025 Christmas Appeal and Toy Drive is now underway, calling on the community to help ensure every child and family experiences the warmth and hope of the festive season.
This year, more families than ever are walking through City Mission’s doors needing assistance. Rising rents, the cost of living, and everyday pressures mean that parents are facing heartbreaking choices between keeping a roof over their heads or providing Christmas meals and gifts for their children.
City Mission CEO Dr Jo Fearman says the festive season should be a time of joy and togetherness for everyone, yet too many Tasmanian families face anxiety and hardship instead.
“Christmas is about joy, hope, and connection. But for too many families, it’s a time of anxiety and uncertainty. Through the generosity of our community, we can make sure no child wakes up to an empty Christmas morning, and no family goes hungry this holiday season,” Dr Fearman said.
City Mission provides vital support to families across North and North West Tasmania, including food hampers, Christmas meals, toys for children, and emergency assistance such as rent relief. Every donation stays local, ensuring the people who need help most are supported within their own communities.
Recent figures from the Tasmanian Council of Social Service highlight the scale of need:
14.2% of Tasmanians live in poverty, a 16% increase since 2023.
Over 81,500 people are experiencing severe hardship.
Rental costs have surged 36%, pushing families to the brink.
One in six children (18,900) are growing up without enough food
One family, Jodie and her children, experienced months of homelessness last year. Thanks to City Mission, Jodie was able to visit the Toy Room, a safe and welcoming space where parents can choose gifts for their children with care and dignity. “Even though my husband had found a job, we were still struggling. We couldn’t even think about Christmas with the kids – it just felt impossible,” Jodie said. “To give my kids the Christmas they deserved after everything we’d been through… it was incredible.”
City Mission relies on community generosity to make moments like this possible. Each donation helps provide:
$50 - Wrapped gifts in the City Mission Toy Room for children at Christmas
$100 - Fills bags with groceries for Tasmanians struggling with cost-of-living pressures
$250 - Supports a family with essential groceries for two weeks
$500 - Helps with bills or rent so a family can experience time during Christmas free from worry
Every act of generosity, whether large or small, creates a ripple effect of hope and dignity for families struggling during Christmas.
Every gift, every dollar, and every act of kindness makes a real difference. Whether it’s a toy on a shelf, a meal on a table, or support to keep a family housed, these acts bring hope and dignity to families who are struggling.
The appeal is supported across multiple channels, including TV, radio, print, social media, posters, and direct mail. Donations and gifts can be dropped off at City Mission hubs in Launceston and Burnie, any Mission Shop, or made online via citymission.org.au/christmas-appeal.
“The generosity of the community is what transforms Christmas from a time of worry into a season of hope and belonging for families in need. Your generosity brings light to families during a time that can otherwise feel dark. Together, we can make sure Christmas is a time of hope, joy, and belonging for everyone in our community,” Dr Fearman added.
