Call Santa from our payphones and we’ll donate to the Salvos

It has been a tough year for many Aussies, and in the lead-up to Christmas, it isn’t getting any easier. That’s why on Saturday 16 December and Sunday 17 December, for every free call made to Santa from one of our payphones, we’ll donate $1 to the Salvation Army (up to a pre-determined amount)
Jackie Coates · 14 December 2023 · 4 minute read

Head of the Telstra Foundation, Jackie Coates, and the Salvation Army's Major Brendan Nottle want you to call Santa for Christmas and help us donate to the Salvos

Christmas is a time to connect and we want to help make sure that even those doing it tough this season can stay connected to loved ones. Our payphones are free for standard calls around Australia all year and up until 24 December, anyone can call Santa for free.

So, we’re asking you to help us on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December by calling Santa from our payphones and every dollar raised will go towards meals, toys and beyond for the Salvation Army to give to those who need it most this Christmas.

What are free calls to Santa?

Every single one of our 14,500 Telstra payphones is now connected to the North Pole. From Cape York to Caringbah, Perth to Penrith, anyone can pick up a Telstra payphone and dial # 46 46 46 (or # HO HO HO) to talk to Santa in his workshop.And you can ask just about anything Christmas related, and Santa will respond to what you’re after for Christmas, and tell you if you’re on the naughty or nice list!

Free calls to Santa are available now through to Christmas Eve. But on 16 and 17 December, make sure to stop by a payphone to help do your bit to help the Salvos and Aussies in need.

Here’s a map of all our payphones so you can find your closest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

How the Salvos help at Christmas

Christmas at the Salvation Army is one of the busiest times of year.  They support those doing it tough with food and gifts to help spread joy and ease the burden.  

Sadly, new research from The Salvation Army has found more than 5.3 million people (26%) will not be able to afford a Christmas meal and 30% of parents are worried their children will go without presents.*

In addition, more than half the population (57.1%) feels more stressed this Christmas compared to 31.6% last year, 71% are more mindful about how much they are spending this Christmas and almost one in seven parents are worried their children will go without a meal on Christmas Day.*

The research also found almost one in 10 Australians will rely on charitable support to get by this Christmas. Of those people, almost half (48.9%) will be reaching out for the first time.

We can help if you’re in need

Free standard national calls from payphones is just one way we help out if you’re feeling the pressure at the moment.

We helped more than one million people in vulnerable circumstances stay connected last year, and we’re committed to doing the same this coming year.

If you’re doing it tough right now, we have a range of flexible long- and short-term support available, including:

  • Flexible payment arrangements and extensions;
  • A review of your plan or pre-paid service to check you’re on the best value service for your needs;
  • Support in moving to a different plan or pre-paid service;
  • Concession Card discount on eligible services;
  • Potential waiving of fees on a case-by-case basis, and/or,
  • Longer term support based on your personal financial circumstances.  

Use the My Telstra app, call us, or head to Telstra.com to find out more about how we can help. You can also access our financial assistance policy in multiple languages.

 

 *PureProfile surveyed 2,005 people in a nationally representative sample size and this has been extrapolated to reflect the general Australian population. Extrapolated numbers are based on the estimated Australian population aged 18 and older; 20,716,533, based on ABS data as seen here.

By Jackie Coates

Head of Telstra Foundation

A seasoned community investment leader, Jackie is passionate about enabling social innovation underpinned by digital. Self-described as “analogue at birth but digital by design”, Jackie advocates for the transformative power of tech to solve social problems. As head of the Telstra Foundation, Jackie manages a multi-million dollar community partner portfolio to improve social inclusion outcomes for young people in the areas of mental health; disability; digital making; cyber-safety; and remote, regional and Indigenous communities. Feminist, mother, geek, and grant-maker Jackie juggles many balls and tries hard not to drop the glass ones! Find out more at Telstra Foundation.