Dozens of people lined up outside Peterborough’s Salvation Army on Monday morning to sign up for the charity’s Christmas hamper program.
Cory Robinson was one of them. “I’m out of work,” he explained. “And it’s hard to provide.”
Robinson said he’s been out of work for a month, and has two grandchildren to care for. He said the hamper helps give his family a way to celebrate during the holidays.
According to the Salvation Army, Robinson’s story isn’t unique. The organization is issuing a broad appeal for donations as the Christmas giving season ramps up.
Recent figures from the organization show that 20 per cent of families in the Peterborough region are living in poverty.
Up to 8,000 people don’t have regular access to high-quality food and 29,000 have an annual income of less than $15,000.
“In fact, those numbers could be low, because at least 20 per cent of children and families are living in poverty,” said Casey Ready, executive director of the Community Counselling and Resource Centre.
Ready said the issues around poverty are complex, but stressed that a lack of affordable housing compounds the problem.
“We’ll see a family of four trying to live off $3,000 a month gross, and 50 per cent of that is going to rent,” she said.
Seasonal donations are helpful and necessary, she said, but noted the issue needs attention all year long.
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