It is that time of year again.
May has come around, the weather is beginning to get cooler, and The Salvation Army is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser yet.
The 61st Red Shield Appeal is here.
The collecting outside your local shops, the knocks on your front door, and the emblazoned Red Shield around the town means that it is time to dig deep to support Aussies in need.
It is a time of year that isn’t just about the funds raised.
The Salvos are always blown away by the ways the community comes together across the country in support.
We are in awe of our army of volunteers, this year aiming to be 20,000 strong, who make all of this happen.
It is the everyday folk in local communities that is the heartbeat of The Salvos and the Red Shield Appeal.
Why is the Red Shield Appeal so important?
Because it allows for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society to get the support they vitally need and deserve.
It means we can continue our work in areas like homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship, and so much more.
The Salvos help someone in Australia every 17 seconds, but this doesn’t happen by accident.
It is because of our incredible frontline workers who work tirelessly to support Aussies in need.
It is because of our dedicated volunteers who give their time so selflessly for others.
And, it is because of the generosity of Australians, giving what they can to our Red Shield Appeal, so someone else can receive hope.
Indeed, by giving to the Red Shield Appeal, you can be the hope that someone desperately needs.
Whether you are able to give financially or give your time through volunteering, every little bit supports us to continue what we do best – helping people.
The Salvos are aiming to raise $38 million this year for our Red Shield Appeal.
We trust Australians will be generous, and for that, we offer a sincere thank you.
And the best part is, when you see the folk collecting outside the supermarket, or receive a friendly knock on the door, you can know that funds raised locally in your community will remain local, supporting your fellow community members doing it tough.
So please, if you can this year, consider supporting the Salvos Red Shield Appeal.
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.
– Major Bruce Harmer
The Salvation Army
