The Salvation Army in Seymour is taking part in this year’s Red Shield Appeal.
Salvation Army Captain Lauren Kirkhan said this was the 60th anniversary of the appeal in Australia.
“It’s the Salvation Army’s community fundraiser in Australia to raise funds to help those who are disadvantaged,” she said.
“We go out into the community. Previously, we used to knock on doors (in Seymour and Broadford) but we’ve kind of gravitated towards static collection points.
“Now, we collect outside supermarkets, shopping centres and at different events as well.
“We also have a digital door-knock page, so people can go online and donate.”
Ms Kirkhan said the money donated to the appeal went towards assisting with the Salvation Army’s emergency relief program.
“That’s providing food parcels for people and also about providing support when people are in crisis situations, too,” she said.
In the past 12 months at the Salvation Army Mitchell Shire, emergency relief distribution individuals and families in need has increased by 150 per cent.
“There’s a couple of different things that has to do with, which includes the increased cost of living, but also I think the increased awareness of people of accessing our Salvation Army services,” Ms Kirkhan said.
“They can come in and get food parcels if they find themselves in need.
“I’ve seen families that are working but can’t afford everyday things.”
The Red Shield Appeal not only provides services related to crisis, but helps deliver vital community programs and social services, such as:
- 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
- Chaplaincy
Last year, Salvation Army Mitchell Shire was able to raise around $3000, but its members are chasing a bigger goal in 2024.
“We weren’t able to get out of much in the community as we’d like, but this year our goal is $6000,” Ms Kirkhan said.
“(The community) can donate at our thrift shops in Seymour and Broadford.
“They can come into our reception, and they can donate.”
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said it was important to support the wonderful work the Salvation Army was doing to offer support to those who needed 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,” Ms Cleeland 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.”
Besides donating in person, locals can also access the Salvation Army’s Digital Door Knock, where the tally has already passed $300.
“What I’ve been telling people is the government recently announced a $300 rebate on energy costs and that they’re going to be distributing to households across Australia and if people are able to contribute some of that back towards the community, we’d encourage people to do that,” Ms Kirkhan said.
“We are very thankful for the community support so far. People are always generous.
“Always willing to give, and this is just to a cause that goes locally to our community and so it stays local.
“What’s donated local stays local.”
The Red Shield Appeal in Seymour will be running until the end of June.