State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has expressed her support for the Salvation Army, which has begun raising crucial funds for the local community as part of its Red Shield Appeal.
Ms Cleeland said it’s important to support the amazing work the Salvation Army is doing to offer support to those who need it most in the community.
“The cost of groceries is astronomical and rising at a concerning rate, and the reality is that people are having to choose between feeding their families or powering their homes, and that is a decision nobody should have to make,” she said.
“Add in rising interest rates, the cost of keeping cars on the road and kids in school, and it’s clear there isn’t enough support for those who need it most.
“Our wonderful community organisations and volunteers, like those at the Salvation Army, are working overtime to fill that void and provide food relief as more and more Victorians struggle to make ends meet.”
In the past 12 months in Mitchell Shire alone, the Salvation Army, emergency relief distribution to individuals and families in need has increased by 150 per cent.
These are people seeking support due to issues with family violence, increased cost of living where those who are working still cannot provide for their families, mental health problems, and a lack of affordable housing.
Funds raised through the Red Shield Appeal help deliver vital community programs and social services, including:
- Emergency financial assistance;
- Refuge for women and children in crisis;
- Shelter and support for those facing homelessness;
- Crisis, transitional and long-term housing;
- Youth drop-in centres and support programs;
- Emergency and disaster relief (immediate support, all the way to long-term recovery);
- Drug and alcohol addiction recovery and rehabilitation support;
- Employment training programs; and
- Chaplaincy.
Donate to the Red Shield Appeal via www.salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal/