With the holiday season upon us, Hutt St Centre is calling on the community to dig deep and donate to its annual Christmas Appeal — helping provide a glimmer of home to the growing number of people doing it tough.

Hutt St Centre Chief Executive Officer Chris Burns said the Centre is asking South Australians to help make Christmas Day special for everyone who walks through its doors.

“From festive treats to a celebratory lunch, every donation brings warmth, dignity and a sense of belonging to people in our community who need it most,” Mr Burns said.

“This year we’ve seen more people visiting our Wellbeing Centre for meals and other vital support. Sadly, with the ongoing cost-of-living and housing crises, we are expecting a record-breaking Christmas.”

Mr Burns said Christmas can be especially hard for people experiencing homelessness, intensifying feelings of isolation and loss.

“At Hutt St Centre, we work to turn that around,” he said. “Our Wellbeing Centre becomes a place of joy — filled with laughter, delicious food and the comfort of community.

“On Christmas Day, we do everything we can to ensure our clients feel not just supported, but celebrated. Everyone will enjoy a three-course festive lunch and receive a gift — a simple gesture made possible by the generosity of the local community, reminding people they are not forgotten.”

As part of this year’s Christmas Appeal, Hutt St Centre is inviting the community to ‘Sponsor a Seat’ at its Christmas lunch. A donation of $30 provides one person with a Christmas meal and the chance to experience the warmth of the season in a welcoming and joyful environment.

Demand for support continues to rise. In the 2024–25 financial year, visits to the Wellbeing Centre increased from 40,504 to 42,975. On average, 826 people accessed services each week.
Mr Burns said Hutt St Centre has never turned away anyone seeking a meal, a hot shower or life-saving support — but the Centre is under growing pressure.

“We’re seeing more people needing help, and the challenges they’re facing are becoming more complex,” he said. “Unless conditions change, we fear that by the end of 2028 we may be forced to turn people away because we’ve reached capacity.

“At this time of year, pressures mount on top of an already heavy burden. We often see an increase in people seeking support over the festive season.

“Christmas is a time to think of others — and to remember that life isn’t easy for many people in our community. If you’re able to help, whether by donating items from our wish list or sponsoring a seat through our Christmas Appeal, we would be deeply grateful.”

To sponsor a seat for someone in need through Hutt St Centre’s Christmas Appeal, click here: https://donate.huttstcentre.org.au/christmas

Hutt St Centre’s Christmas Wish List

You can view and download our 2025 Christmas Wish List here.

Donations can be dropped off at Hutt St Centre, 258 Hutt St, from now until the 24 December, between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

For all media enquiries, please contact Lauren Kilsby on 0451 648 852.