The Salvation Army is urging the community to get involved in this year’s Red Shield Appeal, which will raise vital funds to continue supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our region.
The Gunnedah Salvos have been helping those in need in Gunnedah since 1887, including 60 years of the Red Shield Appeal.
Across the region – and across the country, the Salvos are aiming to raise $38 million for the Red Shield Appeal, which is Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal. In Gunnedah, the aim is to raise as much as possible to help out local people.
“Times are tough and it is a challenge for people to meet all their expenses every week,” said Gunnedah Salvos Corps and Community Leader Peter Hall.
“We are seeing more people come through our doors every week, new families who have never done it this tough before, and people are feeling the pinch. We need your support to make a difference and give people a new beginning in Gunnedah. Even the smallest amount can make a difference.”
This year, a Red Shield Appeal committee that includes both Salvation Army representatives and local business and community representatives is urging people and businesses to challenge themselves to raise money.
“The Red Shield Appeal has been part of Gunnedah for 60 years and has given us so much to be grateful for,” said Gunnedah Shire Mayor and Red Shield Committee member Jamie Chaffey.
“We’d love to see a bit of friendly rivalry between our businesses and organisations as they form teams and find fun ways to get involved. This could be through events such as morning teas, fun runs, special theme days at work or simple collections.”
It’s never been easier to form teams, share stories and donate with the Red Shield Appeal through
https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/o/gunnedah-salvos or a simple phone call to our local Salvation Army.
“There is also always a need for volunteers to help join the Red Shield Appeal army. Grab a friend, some work colleagues or the entire family and join in this great cause.”
The Salvation Army Gunnedah Church has a Facebook page that will include local updates about the appeal.
The Red Shield Appeal weekend is May 25 and 26, but there are many volunteering and fundraising opportunities throughout the months of April, May and June. If you are able to give some of your time, please reach out to your local Salvos by visiting salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal.
All funds raised locally will remain in the local community, with only 10% required for administration purposes, allowing the Salvos to meet the specific needs of our Gunnedah community.
Across Australia last year, through The Salvation Army’s network of over 400 centres and 2,000 services in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship and much more, the Salvos provided:
- Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
- More than 1.67 million sessions of care to over 250,000 people in need
- Over 1.2 million bed nights to those who needed accommodation
- More than 1.63 million meals to those who accessed our homelessness services.
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.
The Gunnedah Salvos can be contacted on 6742 0540, and the Digital Doorknock website is https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/o/gunnedah-salvos.
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