The Salvation Army in Victoria’s Gippsland region are urging the local community to get involved in this year’s Red Shield Appeal, which will raise vital funds to continue supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our region.
Across the country, the Salvos are aiming to raise $38 million for the Red Shield Appeal, which is Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal.
This year, Australia’s most trusted charity is celebrating 60 years of the Red Shield Appeal.
“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. They are skipping meals, unable to afford utility bills or medication for their kids. This is why we need your support,” The Salvation Army’s Major, Warren Elliot, said.
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. Grab a mate, some work colleagues or the entire family and join us. We can’t do our work in the community without you,” Major Elliot said.
The Red Shield Appeal weekend is May 25 and 26, but there are many volunteering opportunities throughout the month of May. If you are able to give some of your time, please reach out to your local Salvos by visiting the Salvation Army website.
“The Gippsland region needs your support more than ever. The Salvos are grateful for the generosity we have received over the past 60 years of the Red Shield Appeal and we hope to see our community come together again this year as we seek to make it another 60 years,” Major Elliot said.
All funds raised locally will remain in the local community, allowing the Salvos to meet the specific needs of the most disadvantaged and marginalised members of our region.
Across Australia last year, through The Salvation Army’s network of over 400 centres and 2000 services in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship and much more, the Salvos provided:
– Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
– More than 1.67 million sessions of care to over 250,000 people in need
– Over 1.2 million bed nights to those who needed accommodation
– More than 1.63 million meals to those who accessed our homelessness services.
