The kindness of The Salvation Army outshines even the most precious diamond.
This year, Salvation Army Corps across Australia celebrate their diamond jubilee of the first Salvos Red Shield Appeal: 60 years dedicated to fundraising and volunteering to support those in need.
For Kyabram Salvation Army captain Jacky Targett every day is a day to make a difference.
“People have neighbours who have no idea that they’re having cancer treatment, they’ve lost their job, their mental health has declined, the bills are piling up – no-one has any idea that this is going on,” Captain Targett said.
“The Red Shield Appeal just reminds people that no community is free from troubles and its trials.
“It’s about making any community aware that there are people in need.
“It’s obvious when a flood goes through … the whole community is affected, so everybody knows what happened, but when it comes to somewhere like our community - people have no idea what goes on behind closed doors.
“The people who need the most help are the ones who wake up one morning and suddenly realise what debts they have, and sometimes people don’t even realise how far down they’ve gone.
“When they do become aware of that, they have no idea how to get out of that hole.
“So if we can give them a hand up, that’s what we aim to do.”
Salvation Army Australia is aiming to raise $38 million nationwide this year.
Major Warren Elliot of The Salvation Army emphasised the unprecedented importance of community generosity today.
“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,” Major Elliot said.
“They are skipping meals, unable to afford utility bills or medication for their kids.
“This is why we need your support,” he said.
Crucially, donations made in Kyabram will directly benefit the Kyabram community, allowing Salvos branches to meet the specific needs of the most vulnerable members of our region.
“It’s wonderful that the Red Shield money that is raised in a community like Kyabram, stays in Kyabram - it stays here and is spent here, and it goes back to those that need it most in our community,” Captain Targett said.
There are many ways to get involved, such as online fundraising, organising a collection at your workplace, school or community club; however, Captain Targett said the easiest and most beneficial way to help out this Red Shield Appeal is by donating.
“Our greatest asset is that people in Kyabram will walk in off the street and bring me food.” she said.
“Most of our funds go towards things like our Christmas Cheer, where we hand out children’s toys and food hampers at Christmas to families that aren’t in a position to celebrate.
“Another way we use the funds is by re-establishing people from homelessness where we offer as much as we can, either through the shop or through financial support, which is a huge help to them,” she said.
Captain Targett aims to surpass the previous year's fundraising total of $6000.
“The more funds I have, the better I am able to support the people who really need it,” she said.
Red Shield Appeal weekend is May 25 and 26, but the appeal will be ongoing throughout May.
You can drop off donations at the Kyabram Salvation Thrift Shop on Bradley St, or if you are seeking assistance, please visit The Salvation Army Kyabram Corps on Unitt St.
To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from the Salvos, visit their website or call 13 SALVOS.