Young Salvation Army spokeswoman Lesley Newton said that is why community groups, churches, scouts, guides, sporting groups, workplaces or anyone willing to lend a hand should volunteer time to get involved with the upcoming Red Shield Doorknock appeal.

"The Salvos will be out front of Woolworths Young on May 25,26,27,28 plus we will be going door to door from May 22," she said.

"Hard times for some families can simply be just one pay cheque away, with many families in the Young area doing it tough and relying on The Salvation Army for support. 

“As a country, we have never been richer. Across the board, our standard of living continues to improve in almost every category. But these gains and opportunities have not been distributed fairly, with millions of Australians living on the margins, we like to think of Australia as the land of the ‘fair go’, but unless people are willing to go the extra mile to help those in need, this idea will become a relic of the past.”  

Mrs Newton said in order for The Salvation Army to meet the growing demand for its services, the community’s support is needed now more than ever. 

“By giving just a few hours of your time, you can make a meaningful difference to the lives of people doing it tough. You can give hope where it’s needed most,” she said.

“People’s lives can change so quickly. We are seeing all kinds of people who have not needed our help before. Some families are living off less than $17 a day after they have paid their rent. You can only imagine how much of a struggle that is. Many families are having trouble paying basic necessities like electricity, gas and food bills.”

“We are simply asking people to help those Aussies in desperate need by lending a hand and supporting the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock. In just a few hours you can give hope where it’s needed most by collecting vital funds for our services. 

To volunteer for this year’s Red Shield Doorknock weekend please call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvos.org.au/volunteer