Salvos set target as Red Shield Appeal starts

AS more and more families struggle to make ends meet in Bendigo, the work of not-for-profit organisations has never been more important.

The Salvation Army will launch the 2015 Red Shield Appeal today, setting a target of $280,000 across northern Victoria in the next two weeks.

Northern Victoria Division Captain Craig Wood said organisations are "really up against it" as a number of issues continue to hurt families in regional communities.

"In the last five to 10 years we've seen an emerging group in society called the working poor," he said.

"Families are increasingly seeking us for assistance, it's obvious the minimum wage doesn't cover all of the costs of having a family."

Bendigo's Salvation Army branch will focus on rural hardship for this year's appeal.

They work with rural councils and Rural Finance to provide assistance to those in need, as well as $156,000 per year for drug and alcohol programs.

Captain Wood said last year's poor season for farmers had placed even more stress on those in a number of regions.

"Areas in Buloke Shire, towns like Wycheproof, Charlton and Boort, really struggled last year," he said.

"People phone us if they're in trouble and we work with other agencies to see what kind of support can be provided."

Volunteers will be out in Bendigo over the next two weeks, and people can also donate at www.salvos.org.au