Illawarra residents are urged to support The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal. Photo: The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal will celebrate its 60th year in May, and the organisation says donations are needed now more than ever.
The Salvos are also appealing for Illawarra volunteers to help raise funds in the lead-up to Australia’s longest running door-knock appeal on 25 and 26 May.
Across the country, the Salvos are aiming to raise $38 million for the appeal.
The Salvation Army’s network of more than 400 centres and 2000 services provides help and advice in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and financial hardship.
All funds raised in the Illawarra stay in the local community, allowing the Salvos to meet the specific needs of the most disadvantaged and marginalised members of the region, according to The Salvation Army spokesperson Andrew Hill.
“Times are tough. We are seeing more people come through our doors every week, new families who have never done it this tough before, and people are feeling the pinch,” Andrew said.
“They are skipping meals, unable to afford utility bills or medication for their kids. This is why we need your support.
“There are many ways you can get involved – collections in shopping centres or other key locations, door-knocking, online fundraising or organising a collection at your workplace, school or sporting event.
“There is no better way to support your community than through volunteering and we would love to have you as part of our Red Shield Appeal army this year.”
Across Australia last year, the Salvos provided assistance to one person every 17 seconds and more than 1.67 million sessions of care to more than 250,000 people in need.
It also provided more than 1.63 million meals to people who accessed its homelessness services.
Research released earlier this year by the Salvos revealed that 9.6 million Australians (46 per cent) were significantly impacted by financial pressures in 2023, one in three were impacted by rising interest rates and 32 per cent were similarly affected by increased rent or mortgage costs.
Kristen Hartnett from The Salvation Army’s Moneycare financial counselling team said the numbers showed Australians were facing real financial struggles.
“These past years have been tough for many and it’s clear from what we are seeing on the frontline, and from our research, that people are finding it hard to manage their finances,” she said.
“This means more Australians are in need of help and they are turning to the Salvos for that help.
“Sometimes, taking a few small active steps in the right direction can change the course of your financial situation for years to come.
“We also want people to know that you are not alone. If you want to have a chat to one of our financial counsellors about your finances, please reach out. You don’t need to be in a crisis situation to receive support and advice from the Salvos, and there is no shame in asking for a hand.”
For more information on how to support the Red Shield Appeal click here.
Loading ...
