The Red Bag Christmas Appeal has ended, but you can still bring hope to Queenslanders doing it tough. Donate to our Emergency Relief Services today.
We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and corporate partners last Christmas. Their support brought joy, hope, and real change to people’s lives.
The annual Red Bag Christmas Appeal gifts more than food; it gives hope, joy and Christmas magic to those in need.
Thanks to your incredible support, the 2025 Red Bag Christmas Appeal supported over 3,000 individuals and families!
We also smashed our $100,000 donation goal, raising $125,220. Together, we are stronger.
Aliesha's story
Aliesha is a mum of two; her daughters are five and seven. They have received a Red Bag for the past five years. Like so many families, the rising cost of living and unexpected bills make this time of year difficult to navigate.
"We know from personal experience that times are tough, and a lot of families are doing it tough. So, one thing that I really do love about the Red Bag is all the extra little Christmas luxuries that come with it."
Where did your Red Bag go?
Take a look behind the scenes and follow your Red Bag from donation to delivery. Every step shows the care, teamwork and community spirit that turns your generosity into real support.
Opportunities are available for a range of corporate sponsorships of the Red Bag Appeal.
Please contact the fundraising department on 07 3621 4365 or fill out our online form to find out how your organisation can get behind this great initiative.
Queensland Council of Social Service’s (QCOSS)
2024 Living Affordability Report
Among responses to QCOSS’ biannual Cost-of-Living Survey, housing, energy bills, food and transport were the leading categories of increased household costs.
- During a cost-of-living crisis, the role of community organisations is critical.
- Households are neglecting their health needs due to out-of-pocket costs, or are enduring extreme financial hardship to cover essential medical expenses.
- Housing costs were the highest expenditure for each household, with all modelled households spending more than 37 per cent of their income on housing.
- While energy rebates have been made available to households in Queensland, energy costs continue to cause financial stress on households.
- Households are also struggling to meet out-of-pocket costs associated with their child’s schooling in light of competing financial demands.
- Despite working longer hours and receiving a pay rise, people still fall behind increases in the cost-of-living.
- Close to 700,000 Queenslanders are suffering through lack of healthy and nutritious food.
- 1 in 5 QLD households have experienced severe food insecurity in the last 12 months, meaning they are reducing serving sizes of meals or skipping eating.
- Awareness of food relief support in Queensland is growing with 47% of food insecure households knowing where to seek food relief support in the past 12 months compared to 36% in 2023.
Poverty in Australia 2025: Overview report
- Poverty in Australia has risen to 3.7 million people, up from 3.3 million in the previous report.
- 761,000 children live below the poverty line
- The proportion of low-income renters (the lowest 20% of earners) spending more than 30% of their income on rent increased from 52% in 20–21 to 57% in 22–23.
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