Stand With The Salvos And Rally For Red

The Salvation Army is rallying the Mackay community to get behind this year’s Red Shield Appeal, a vital local fundraising drive aimed at supporting those doing it toughest in our region. Now in its 61st year, Australia’s longest-running door-knock appeal hopes to raise $38 million nationwide to fund life-changing services.

“The last few years have been incredibly tough for the hardest hit in our community, and for many that shows no sign of slowing down,” said Rendle Williams of The Salvation Army.

“We see so many people grappling with increased stress and uncertainty as everyday living has become unaffordable, leading to housing stress, financial hardship and an inability to get by.

“At the Salvos we are privileged to support those in our area experiencing hardship, but we cannot do this without the ongoing and loyal support of the community,” said Mr Williams.

The funds raised in Mackay for the Red Shield Appeal will stay in the local community and will be used to meet the specific needs faced by the most disadvantaged and vulnerable.

Earlier this year, The Salvos released their Social Justice Stocktake; a survey which polled over 16,000 Australians and provided national, state and electoral reports highlighting the biggest issues faced by communities. Within Queensland it was found that 76.8 per cent of people identified the issue of housing affordability and homelessness as the top concern for the community, with the second being financial hardship and inclusion (60.6 per cent)."

“We can’t do our work in the community without you.”

The Red Shield Appeal culminates in the Red Shield Weekend (May 24 and 25), and there are a number of ways to get involved throughout the month of May- volunteering by collecting at local shopping centres and other locations, door knocking, online fundraising, organising a collection at your workplace, school or sporting event and making a donation.

For more information, or to donate, reach out to your local Salvos by calling 13 SALVOS or visit salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal. You can also donate in person at any Salvos Store.

Fast Facts
The Salvos have provided:
• Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
• More than 1.76 million sessions of care to over 250,000 people in need
• Over 1.1 million bed nights to those who needed accommodation
• More than 1.5 million meals to those who accessed our homelessness services.

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The Salvation Army is urging Mackay locals to support the 61st Red Shield Appeal, raising vital funds to help those facing housing stress, financial hardship, and disadvantage in our region. Photo supplied

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