Sunraysia and Mallee locals are being encouraged to dig deep this festive season with latest data from the charities regulator showing donations have flat-lined over the past year.
It comes at a time when cost-of-living pressures mean more people are asking charities for help, although some are being turned away because of overstretched resources.
The regulator is also warning locals to remain vigilant as figures reveal $1.4 million in losses to fake charity scams over the past five years.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner, Sue Woodward, says it’s never been more important to support charities but also ensure our generosity goes where it’s intended.
“Our latest Australian Charities Report showed donations have almost flatlined, rising by less than half a per cent in real terms. At this time of year, in the spirit of the season, we are encouraging people to dig deep and make a donation if they can.”
Scamwatch calculates $1.4 million in losses to fake charity scams officially reported in the past five years ─ and the real figure is likely much higher, as many victims don’t report being scammed.
Phone calls, online and email were the top contact methods used.
“We strongly advise that you check the Charity Register before you donate to confirm if an organisation is real and registered. If it is on the Register, you can be confident that it submits required core information about its work to us as the regulator, so it is transparent and accountable.”
