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
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