The Salvation Army is calling on people across the New England North West to dig deep and support this year’s Red Shield Appeal, helping raise vital funds for locals experiencing hardship.
Now in its 62nd year, Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal aims to raise $41 million nationally to fund community programs and services across the country.
“We know that people are doing it really tough in our community right now, as global uncertainty coupled with further increases in the cost of living locally puts an incredible strain on individuals and families. We know that many are on the edge of breaking point as they struggle to make ends meet,” said Major Bruce Harmer, External Communications Manager for NSW.
“That is why we are calling on those in the New England North West to dig deep, get involved in the Red Shield Appeal, and be the hope our community desperately needs right now.”
Funds raised locally through the Red Shield Appeal will remain in the New England North West and help support people facing hardship in the region.
In Armidale, donations to the Red Shield Appeal will help The Salvation Army continue and expand support services funded through the 2025 appeal, including:
- Christmas food hampers, food vouchers and toy hampers
- Community Christmas meals
- Free family-focused events, including gingerbread house decorating and craft afternoons
- Community meals
- Back-to-school support, including school supplies and food vouchers
- Food hampers
- Employment of a staff member to further develop community support and welfare services
“There is no better way to support those doing it tough than by donating or volunteering with us this year. We can’t do our work in the community without you, so we are calling on people to partner with The Salvation Army this Red Shield Appeal and see the powerful transformation that takes place when we come together to support our fellow Aussies in need,” Major Harmer said.
The Red Shield Appeal will culminate in the Red Shield Weekend on May 30 and 31. People can get involved throughout May by volunteering at local shopping centres and other locations, fundraising online, organising collections at workplaces, schools or sporting events, or making a donation.
The Salvos are aiming to recruit 15,000 volunteers nationwide for this year’s appeal. To learn more about volunteering opportunities, visit salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal.
Last year, through a national network of more than 400 centres and 2,000 services supporting people experiencing homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth issues, alcohol and other drug rehabilitation, financial hardship and more, The Salvation Army provided:*
- Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
- More than 1.74 million sessions of care to more than 228,000 people
- More than 1 million nights of safe accommodation
- More than 1.4 million meals through homelessness services
To donate, volunteer, or access support from The Salvation Army, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.
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