The Salvation Army is calling on Port Macquarie community groups, sporting clubs, workplaces, families and individuals to get involved in its annual Red Shield Appeal doorknock.

The aim in 2018 is to help raise $7.5 million nationwide over the weekend of May 26-27 to help fund The Salvation Army’s vast network of social services helping those in need.

In Port Macquarie this will be for emergency relief, such as food, showers and electricity accounts, referrals for drug and alcohol addiction, help with second-hand clothes and furniture, and the Positive Lifestyle Program.

Salvation Army major Kevin Unicomb said the Salvos are aiming to mobilise 70,000 volunteers nationwide for the doorknock to help meet the growing demand on its services.

“Hardship does not discriminate, more and more people from all walks of life are turning to The Salvation Army for assistance and we need the public’s support now more than ever,” Major Unicomb said.

“Sixty dollars provides a food hamper so that a struggling family doesn’t have to go hungry, so even a relatively small contribution can have an immeasurable impact on someone’s life.”

Mr Unicomb said volunteers play a crucial role in lending a hand to some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our community.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do, they are our largest workforce, which enables the continued success and improvement of our vital social programs,” he said.

“We cannot do what we do alone.

“We all have the opportunity to be beacons of hope for others and by partnering with the Salvos for just a few hours over the Red Shield Appeal weekend, you can give hope where it’s needed most.

“We are also calling on people right across the Hastings to get involved, particularly in the smaller towns outside Port Macquarie including King Creek and Comboyne.

“Last year we were able to door knock around 60 percent of Port Macquarie and it would great if we could reach even more people this year.”

Following last year’s success, The Salvation Army will once again be rolling out its Donation Tap Points across 400 locations in Australia.

In Port Macquarie, the Donation Tap Points will be in the Port Central Shopping Centre through the week, and on the street outside the Westport Club on Sunday, 27 May 2018.

“If you are able, we are calling on the community to register to go and door knock for us and help us get the vital funds we need to continue doing the work we do.”

To volunteer for this year’s Red Shield Appeal weekend, please call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online.