Across the Central Coast the Salvos are aiming to raise $116,000 for Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal, the 61st annual Red Shield Appeal.
“The last few years have been incredibly tough for the hardest hit in our community, and for many that shows no sign of slowing down. We see so many people grappling with increased stress and uncertainty as everyday living has become unaffordable, leading to housing stress, financial hardship and an inability to get by. At the Salvos we are privileged to support those in our area experiencing hardship, but we cannot do this without the ongoing and loyal support of the community,” said The Salvation Army’s Central Coast Red Shield Appeal Chair, Mr Andrew Brand.
The funds raised on the Central Coast for the Red Shield Appeal will stay in the local community and will be used to meet the specific needs faced by the most disadvantaged and vulnerable.
Earlier this year, the Salvos released their Social Justice Stocktake; a survey which polled over 16,000 Australians and provided national, state and electoral reports highlighting the biggest issues faced by communities.
On the Central Coast, the top issues identified by the community were housing affordability and homelessness, followed closely by concerns around access to health care and financial hardship and inclusion.
“There is no better way to support your community than by donating or volunteering to the Red Shield Appeal this year, and we need you to partner with us to be the hope our community so desperately needs. The Salvos can’t do their work in the community without you,” said Mr Brand.
The Red Shield Appeal culminates in the Red Shield Weekend (May 24 and 25), and there are a number of ways to get involved throughout the month of May - volunteering by collecting at local shopping centres and other locations, online fundraising, organising a collection at your workplace, school or sporting event and making a donation.
Please reach out to your local Salvos to find out more about volunteering opportunities by visiting salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal
Across the Central Coast, The Salvation Army has a broad network of services in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship and much more.
To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal please contact your local Salvation Army. If you need support from the Salvos, visit www.salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.
