THE Salvation Army is calling for 100,000 volunteers for this year’s Red Shield Appeal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s exactly the same amount of people needed to fill the MCG.
All funds raised go directly to the social welfare and community service programs the Salvos run for Australians experiencing disadvantage.
The appeal’s centre-piece is the Doorknock Weekend on Saturday 28 May and Sunday 29 May.
That is just under four weeks away and preparations in Bendigo are well under way.
Local appeal coordinator Andrew Walker said The Salvation Army was keen to hear from people who could donate even a few hours for door knocking.
He said that while the bulk of fundraising would take place during the Doorknock Weekend, locals would be out collecting from Saturday 23 May through to Tuesday 3 June.
And Major Walker said that was not the only way volunteers could help make a difference.
“Sometimes people get put off from taking part by the idea of door knocking,” he said.
“But they are also more than welcome to sit outside supermarkets, rattle tins at intersections or sell sausages at Bunnings.”
Major Walker said the Bendigo Corps’ goal was to raise about $50,000.
“That seems like quite a lot, I know,” he said.
“But if every person in Bendigo gave just one dollar coin we’d easily exceed our target.”
Nationally, The Salvation Army hope to raise $74 million.
Red Shield Appeal director Paul Hateley said Victorians’ generosity was vital for programs supporting over one million Australians in need each year.
On average, the Salvos assist around 2,000 people every night.
They do this through crisis accommodation and provision of essential supplies such as warm blankets, food, and emotional support.
“Every donation to the Red Shield Appeal brings us one step closer to helping find safe and permanent homes for vulnerable members of the community, and ultimately preventing homelessness across the state,” he said.
Major Hateley said there were currently over 105,000 Australians experiencing homelessness.
Major Walker said Bendigo had a very extensive range of services, including food relief and alcohol support programs.
To volunteer call The Salvation Army’s Bendigo office on 5440 8431 or the Eaglehawk office on 5446 8135.
To donate visit the appeal’s website.
