Christmas on the breadline

CONCERNED Antrim reps have urged local people to spare a thought for the families struggling to make ends meet this Christmas.

Demand at Antrim Foodbank has more than doubled in the last year, with 4,342 parcels distributed - almost half of them to children.

And with bills soaring across the board, this festive season could be a ‘living nightmare’ for all too many cash-strapped locals.

Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly said he believed the community would act as a safety net for its most volnerable members at this special time.

“I went to the Christmas switch on event in Market Square last week. It really did feel like Christmas was on its way, though it did make me think would this year be the same as others or would the rising cost of living make this year that bit more difficult especially for families with young children?

“We are all feeling the pinch and many people are struggling to make ends meet with interest rates, fuel, food and heating costs rising day on day.

“We hear of foodbanks being used by more people than ever before and as we approach Christmas pressures on families continue to increase and hard financial decisions will have to be made and I know parents will do without so their children will have as good a Christmas as they can afford.

“In Antrim I see many individuals and groups doing what the can to help. We have foodbanks where food can be donated and toys being collected as well as winter coats. Even when times are hard we still have many people doing what they can to help by dropping that extra item in the shopping trolley or donating a pound or two to local charities.

“Christmas is a wonderful time for all of us and if we can spare a little extra then maybe we can help others especially at this time of year.”

This was echoed by Ulster Unionist Jim Montgomery.

“Christmas every year is a time that many enjoy and I hope it is the same this year. What often goes unnoticed each year is that some struggle with providing at Christmas.

“It’s easy to say that’s it’s not about the presents it’s about togetherness and friendship. And the spirit of that is commendable but it’s not the reality. Christmas gets more commercialised each year.

“It is felt that clothes bought as presents need to have certain fashionable logos or electronic products need to be the most up to date.

“The financial pressures faced by people each year can be immense and sadly this year there may be more feel that pressure due to the terrible economic climate we are living under.”