The Salvation Army’s 2014 Red Shield Appeal to multicultural communities was launched on 6 May in Leichhardt, Sydney. This year’s national fundraising target for the Red Shield Appeal is $80 million. The annual doorknock will take place on the weekend of 24-25 May.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, gave the keynote address at the launch.
The Salvation Army’s Major Bruce Harmer said at the launch that the money raised through the Red Shield Appeal is vital to the assistance the Salvos provide needy sections of society.
“For those living on the bread-line, an unexpected event like car troubles or a broken fridge can set people back to the point of being evicted due to rental arrears,” said Major Harmer.
Speakers at the launch said that the current financial challenges made the Salvation Army’s work indispensable to many people in the community. The Salvation Army expects a sharp rise in the number of people in need of basic assistance.
“Often people on low incomes or government benefits can have as little as $50 a week to live on once they pay the rent, which is simply not enough to cover a family’s basic needs,” Major Harmer said.
Funds raised through the Red Shield Appeal will help The Salvation Army to assist more than one million people a year, providing immediate assistance with food vouchers, help with bills, and no-interest loans to cover unexpected expenses; through to working with people over the longer term with financial counselling, employment services, and drug, alcohol and gambling rehabilitation.
Services specifically catering towards the needs of migrants or people of non-English speaking background include English conversation classes, seniors clubs, job placement services, refugee support including reuniting and advocacy services.
To give to the Red Shield Appeal, please call 13 SALVOS, visit salvos.org.au, donate at any Westpac branch, or post your cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.
For further information regarding The Salvation Army, visit salvos.org.au
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
