The Salvation Army is urging the Australian public to get involved in its annual Red Shield Appeal doorknock to help raise $7.5 million over the weekend of May 26-27.
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The money raised from the Red Shield Appeal doorknock will go towards The Salvation Army’s vast network of social services to help those in need.
In a typical week, the Salvos provide over 17,000 beds for those suffering homelessness, 40,000 meals for the hungry, over 1,400 financial counselling sessions and refuge for over 100 women affected by domestic violence.
The Salvation Army’s community fundraising and public relations coordinator, Karen Walker, said the Salvos are aiming to mobilise 70,000 volunteers for the doorknock to help meet the growing demand on its services.
“Hardship does not discriminate. More and more people from all walks of life are turning to The Salvation Army for assistance. We need the public’s support now more than ever,” she said.
Walker said by volunteering or donating to the Red Shield Appeal you can make a huge impact in communities across the country.
“Every donation makes a difference,” she said.
“Just $28 helps children at risk of homelessness participate in an after-school program, $60 provides a food hamper so that a struggling family doesn’t have to go hungry, and $79 provides one day of support for a family to find a home. Even a relatively small contribution can have an immeasurable impact on someone’s life.”
Walker said volunteers play a crucial role in providing a hand up to some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our community.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do. They are our largest workforce, which enables the continued success and improvement of our vital social programs. These programs include emergency housing for people in crisis, drug and alcohol rehabs, financial counselling services, as well as a host of social programs,” she said.
The Salvation Army has a trusted history in helping Australians in need for over 135 years, however, the Salvos cannot continue to meet this need without the public’s support.
“We cannot do this alone,” she said.
“We all have the opportunity to be beacons of hope for others and by partnering with the Salvos for just a few hours over the Red Shield Appeal weekend, you can give hope where it’s needed most.”
Following last year’s success, The Salvation Army will once again be rolling out its Donation Tap Points across 400 locations in Australia.
This community fundraising initiative, sponsored by Community Sector Banking, was the first of its kind within the non-profit sector when it was introduced in Australia last year.
The service provides more effective, safer, and more meaningful donation opportunities across the country.
To volunteer for this year’s Red Shield Appeal weekend, please call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvos.org.au or you can call Mr Graeme Packer on 0438 243487.
You can donate to the Red Shield Appeal by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), online at salvos.org.au, in person at any Westpac branch or Salvos Stores or by posting your cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.