As The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal hits a huge milestone this year - 50 years of the Red Shield Doorknock in Australia - the Salvos are asking people in Young to spare just a few hours to help the appeal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Salvos say the need for funds has never been more desperate.
Figures show the Salvos help more than one million disadvantaged Australians each year including people who are hungry, homeless, abandoned or abused.
That's one person every 31 seconds.
Fiona Anderson from the Young Salvation Army says a massive number of people end up falling on hard times, pointing out that, for many individuals and families, hard times may be just one pay cheque away.
She says volunteers are urgently needed to lend a hand with the doorknock.
Mrs Anderson says there are many ways Young residents can help, beyond knocking on doors.
"We need drivers, people to help run our counting houses and to volunteer at our community collection points.
“There are many practical ideas on our website and it is easy for schools or groups to get involved and help Australians in need.
“We'd urge all schools and their teachers to consider that this can be a very rewarding and enjoyable exercise to be involved in."
She said the Salvation Army was truly thankful for the incredible generosity and support of the Australian community over 50 years of the Doorknock.
This year's national fundraising goal for the Red Shield Appeal doorknock is $9.5 million.
Statistics show that in a typical week The Salvation Army provides 100,000 meals for hungry people, 2000 beds for homeless people, distributes up to 8000 food vouchers, helps 3000 elderly people with aged care services, provides refuge to 500 victims of abuse and much more.
The Salvation Army's extensive list of humanitarian services is designed to help put lives back together.
"Giving just a few hours to volunteer for the doorknock is a very powerful gesture that can positively impact the lives of many disadvantaged Australians. We’d love you to join our army of hope this Red Shield Appeal,” Mrs Anderson said.
People wanting to volunteer should simply call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvos.org.au/volunteer.
Schools wanting to know more should visit salvos.org.au/redshield.
People may also wish to 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 by posting a cheque to Reply Paid 87088 Silverwater NSW 2128.
