By Jamie Salter
The Salvation Army Pakenham Corps is calling on the local community to get involved in this year’s Red Shield Appeal to support services.
Now in its 56th year, the Red Shield Appeal is The Salvos flagship fundraising appeal and Victoria is aiming to raise $1 million to be used on the vital services in the local community.
Pakenham’s lieutenant colonel Denis Lorimar said the local community has been very responsive so far.
“I think they’re understanding the need there is in the community and that we’re doing a job that they’re not able to do – they’re more than pleased to support us,“ Mr Lorimar said.
“We’re hoping more volunteers get on board which means the total amount raised can go towards those who need it.“
This year The Salvos are highlighting family and domestic violence.
About one in four women in Australia will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and it is the largest cause of women and children becoming homeless in Australia.
The Salvation Army Victoria public relations secretary major Warren Elliott said he was grateful to local communities who have rallied together and supported the Red Shield Appeal year on year.
“This year is no different – we need the help of community members more than ever as we continue to support those who have felt the devastating impacts of the past couple years,“ Mr Elliott said.
Over the past 12 months, The Salvos supported around 5,800 women and children impacted by family and domestic violence nationally.
Each year, through The Salvation Army’s nationwide network of services around one person is assisted every 17 seconds and three people are supported every minute.
Approximately 887,500 crisis beds are also provided to people experiencing homelessness – including women and children as family and domestic violence is the largest cause of women and children becoming homeless in Australia.
Victorian Carers Minister Anthony Carbines has announced a $150,000 contribution to help the Salvation Army provide accommodation, legal advice, financial relief, trauma counselling and employment support
to women experiencing family violence on Friday 20 May.
“The Salvation Army makes an incredible contribution to communities right across our state and we are proud to support this year’s Red Shield Appeal,“ Mr Carbines said.
“We’re encouraging Victorians to dig deep because every donation to this year’s Red Shield Appeal will help to provide crucial support to some of the most vulnerable Victorians when they need it most.”
To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.
