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Uniting helps elderly couple push past poverty
After decades of working, building a home and raising a family, Margaret and John* looked forward to settling into retirement. However, they did not anticipate that their ‘golden years’ would be marked by financial stress and hardship.
“I’ve heard people say, ‘oh you pensioners, you’re bludging on society’,” says Margaret.
“But we worked, and we paid our taxes and did everything we were supposed to. I have paid tax since I was 15 right through to retirement.”
Margaret and her husband John, now both 81, are among the 1 in 4 Australian retirees struggling to afford the basics. Having spent most of their working years in a time before compulsory superannuation, the Age Pension promised them a comfortable retirement.
But increased cost-of-living pressures have seen their pension quickly eaten up by rent, bills, groceries and health costs associated with John’s diabetes and Parkinson’s diseases and Margaret’s history of heart attacks.
The couple regularly visit Uniting’s emergency relief service in Sale, a place they say has been a lifeline when things are tough.
“Someone told us about [Uniting] and I thought, ‘well, I’m not too proud’,” says Margaret. “Every now and again you need a bit of help.”
“Without Uniting we would be struggling,” adds John.
Donate now to collect food for people like Margaret and John.
Why support Uniting?
Uniting is the community services organisation of the Uniting Church, supporting people across Victoria and Tasmania to reduce the impact of poverty, trauma and disadvantage.
We stand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, celebrate diversity, and welcome people of every background, faith, ability, gender identity, and sexuality.
When you support Food For Families, you’re helping us provide inclusive, non-discriminatory services and giving families the choice, respect, and care everyone deserves.