IT is a tragic statistic that on any day in Australia more than 105,000 people are homeless.
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Of those, 44,000 are under the age of 25, and 10,000 are children.
The Salvation Army is asking Australians to spare a few hours over the weekend of May 27-28 to collect for its Red Shield Doorknock.
The annual campaign was launched in Port Macquarie on Friday, May 19 with 146 people kick-starting the campaign by raising more than $14,000 at a breakfast event hosted by The Westport Club.
In order for The Salvation Army to meet the growing demand on its services, the community’s support is needed now more than ever. The Salvos aim to mobilise 60,000 people across the nation to raise $8 million over the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock weekend.
The Salvation Army is urging Hastings community groups, churches, scout or guide groups to lend a hand. Local sporting teams and work places can easily get involved with the appeal, as too can anybody wanting to help local people in need.
Statistics reveal that in a typical week, The Salvation Army provides 100,000 meals, 2000 beds for people experiencing homelessness, distributes up to 8000 grocery vouchers and provides refuge for 500 people fleeing abuse.
And the gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ is getting bigger.
The organisation is urging locals to volunteer their time to give hope where it’s needed most and get involved with Australia’s biggest doorknock.
To volunteer for this year’s Red Shield Doorknock weekend call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvos.org.au/volunteer
The Salvos has also introduced Donation Tap Points across 400 locations throughout Australia. This community fundraising initiative, sponsored by Community Sector Banking, is the first of its kind within the not-for-profit sector in Australia.
You can donate to the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), online at salvos.org.au, in person at any Westpac branch or by posting your cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.