Gen Z Slays the Season: Festive spirit strong among Australia’s youngest givers

New research commissioned by Australian Red Cross reveals that Gen Z (18–29-year-olds) are leading the way when it comes to giving back during the festive season.

While many households focus on gifts and traditions, the season’s true spirit is about connection, kindness, and giving back—values Gen Z is embracing, as the survey results revealed with:

• 97% of Gen Z respondents saying that supporting charities during the festive season was important.
• 96% of Gen Z respondents were likely to prioritise connecting with people in the community that may be facing the holiday season alone.

Australian Red Cross CEO Andrew Colvin said whilst Gen Z might stand out as the most community-minded age group, overall, the survey findings are a reminder that the festive season is a time when the generosity of others can help make a meaningful difference in community.

“This year’s survey has told us that Australians want to help and give back to their communities during the festive season. People want to feel connected - and they want others to feel that too,” said Mr Colvin.

“It’s refreshing to see younger generations placing importance on giving back with many contributing significantly to our recent clothing drive events and volunteer sign-ups.”

Generosity rising across Australia

While Gen Z may have come up on top as Australia’s champions of giving, the research also highlighted a broader national trend toward compassion and community:

• Four in five Australians (78%) say increasing global conflict makes helping those less fortunate more important this festive season.
• Seven in ten (69%) say cultural tensions and public division have strengthened their desire to reconnect with their community - a 10% rise since last year.
• Three in five (59%) say cost-of-living pressures make them more likely to donate this year compared to last Christmas.

This festive season, Australian Red Cross is asking Australians to help bring joy to one world at a time—because together, we can create change.

Donations can help deliver connection where it matters most:

• $40 can provide a longer, meaningful social call for someone elderly and living alone - giving them someone to talk to when they need it most.
• $85 can help fund our service to reconnect families separated by disaster.
• $240 can provide calls to 60 older people, checking on their wellbeing and starting their morning with an act of human connection.

To find out how you can bring joy to someone’s world this festive season visit redcross.org.au/donate or call 1800 733 276.

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For media enquiries, interview requests with Australian Red Cross CEO Andrew Colvin, or volunteers, please contact:

Head of Media and Communication Lilly Ward, on media@redcross.org.au or 0420 501 079.