Recent surveys conducted by Christians Against Poverty and others have shown:

• 94% of Christians Against Poverty's clients surveyed suffered from depression and other illnesses because of their debt
• Over 1 in 3 of our clients say they have contemplated or attempted suicide because of their debt
• 40% of couples say they have suffered a relationship breakdown because of debt
• 75% of Australians worry about their ability to repay bills
  (Veda Advantage Study – March 2008)
• In 2006 11.1% of Australians (412,000 children) lived below the most austere poverty line widely used in international research (“Australia Fair: Update on those missing out” by Australian Council of Social Service – 2007)
• 1.3 million Australians live in households that spend more than half their income on debt repayments (Veda Advantage Study – March 2008)

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a not for profit organisation releasing people from debt and poverty through debt counselling, practical services and financial education. We are seeing hundreds of our clients lives transformed from debt, despair and hunger, to renewed hope, restored finances and improved relationships.

In conjunction with the National Anti-Poverty Week (October 17-23) Christians Against Poverty’s 7 Day Challenge is a revolutionary campaign. The 7 Day Challenge is designed to not only raise funds and make a massive difference in the lives of desperately poor Australians, but also to educate those of us who are fortunate enough to not have to worry about how we will eat or provide for our children, what life is like under the poverty line.

• Calculate your current average weekly budget for groceries/food, leisure & clothing
• Using the ‘online budget calculator’ work out your new ‘Poverty Line’ budget for the week
• Register to do the challenge
• Survive for seven days living on your "7 Day Challenge" budget
• Donate the difference between your original budget and your "7 Day Challenge" budget

Every dollar donated will go towards helping thousands of Australians in desperate need.