The Salvation Army in the Sunshine Coast is calling on the community to sign up for this year’s Red Shield Appeal, raising local funds to support people who are struggling most in our region.
Across Australia the Salvos are aiming to raise $38 million for Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal, the 61st annual Red Shield Appeal.
The Salvation Army’s Rendle Williams said, “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.”
The funds raised in the Sunshine 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.
Within Queensland it was found that 76.8 per cent of people identified the issue of housing affordability and homelessness as the top concern for the community, with the second being financial hardship and inclusion (60.6 per cent).
“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. We can’t do our work in the community without you,” Rendle said.
The Red Shield Appeal culminates in the Red Shield Weekend (24 and 25 May), 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, door knocking, 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
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.
