A growing number of our neighbours will face a lonely winter this year with as many as 7 per cent, or 1.5 million Australians predicted to be considered isolated or very isolated this year.
Having friends around us makes us more resilient to life’s knocks and challenges.
Red Cross helps people of all ages who are doing it tough. We help isolated people reconnect with their communities by assisting them to join social groups and build new friendships. Red Cross also provides free phone calls to thousands of elderly Australians each day just to check they’re OK.
We help people who are homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, those with mental health issues and disadvantaged families who want a better future for their children.
Across the Asia Pacific region we are working provide clean drinking water and better sanitation, and help rebuild lives after major disasters.
All of our work relies heavily on the generosity of people like you who donate to Red Cross.
I’m asking everyone to dig deep before the 30th June to make sure Red Cross will always be there for our friends and neighbours.
To make a tax deductible donation by June 30 call 1800 811 700, go online or use your smartphone to go to our website at redcross.org.au.
Robert Tickner, Chief Executive, Australian Red Cross
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
