The Salvation Army says around 1.6 million Australians won't be able to afford to give their young children a present this Christmas, in what the charity claims in an "alarming increase" from previous years.
The numbers come from research commissioned by the Salvation Army, released on Wednesday, and show that around a million more Australians won't be able to give presents this year, compared to 2016.
It reveals a bleak picture for many this Christmas, Major Paul Moulds said.
"People living on marginal incomes and tight budgets are already carefully managing how they spend their money," he said.
"But with power prices escalating, housing affordability getting worse and more Australians struggling to get enough paid work, it's getting harder and harder for many people to keep their head above water."
The figures were revealed as the Salvation Army embarks on its annual Christmas appeal.
Maj Moulds said the organisation was struggling to help all those in need.
"Over Christmas we will help over 300,000 people, serve over 10,000 meals and distribute more than half a million gifts and toys," he said.
[SBS]
