The Salvation Army officially launched the Red Shield Appeal in the ACT yesterday, 13 May, at the Australian War Memorial Treloar Technology Centre in Mitchell, aiming to raise $150,000 for the local community.
Now in its 56th year, the Red Shield Appeal announced a national fundraising target of $32 million to fund over 2,000 centres and services across Australia.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, The Salvos have reported seeing some of the greatest need in the organisation’s history.
Having dropped the iconic door knock, The Salvos are also calling for 20,000 community members to volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal this May in their local shopping centres.
Major Wendy Hateley, from the Salvation Army in the ACT, said the Canberra community has always been there to faithfully back The Salvos.
“This year, we need people to volunteer and raise funds to ensure that we can continue the work in the community for years to come,” Major Hateley said.
“Last year, through the generous support of the community during the Red Shield Appeal, we were able to meet the increased need on our services due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
According to The Salvos, the money raised will help volunteers do specialised work with the homeless in Canberra and help to meet more of the needs of the people who access services across the ACT region.
According to The Salvation Army Australia Annual Report 2019-20, there were over one million occasions of care provided to those in need, including 43,000 occasions of care for those experiencing family and domestic violence, and almost $100 million worth of financial assistance distributed to those doing it tough.
The Salvos fear these numbers will increase in the coming months.
Major Wendy Hateley said “the Salvos cannot do what we do without the generosity of the public in our community”.
“If you have the means, please consider donating to the Red Shield Appeal or become a volunteer this year. Your generosity and support will help us to leave no one in need.”
The Salvos are also encouraging the community to become ‘Digital Doorknockers’ by creating an online fundraising page to raise money.
To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.
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