The Salvation Army in the Northern Rivers and North Coast is calling on the community to sign up for this year’s Red Shield Appeal, raising local funds to support people who are struggling most in our region.

Across this region, Northern Rivers Salvos are aiming to raise $35,000 as part of Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal, the 61st annual Red Shield Appeal.

“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. We see so many people grappling with increased stress and uncertainty as everyday living has become unaffordable, as well as the continual stresses caused through natural disasters and the ongoing work of rebuilding post the floods of 2022. 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 Northern Rivers Salvos’ Captain Philip Sutcliffe.  

The funds raised in the Northern Rivers 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. Throughout this region, we use this money to provide practical assistance for those struggling to put food on the table, to support schools with Lunch packs for students who do not bring lunch, Meals for the homeless, and Christmas Toys and Hampers.  

Earlier this year, The Salvos released their Social Justice Stocktake; a survey that polled over 16,000 Australians and provided national, state, and electoral reports highlighting the biggest issues faced by communities. Within New South Wales, it was found that 68.8% of people identified the issue of housing affordability and homelessness as the top concern for the community, with the second being mental health (57.5%)*.

“There is no better way to support your community than by donating or volunteering to the Red Shield Appeal this year, and we need you to partner with us to be the hope our community so desperately needs. We can’t do our work in the community without you,” said Captain Philip Sutcliffe.

Northern Rivers Salvos will be out collecting across the region through May and June. We will have donation locations in the major Shopping centres, Primex and Salvos Stores. You can also collect or donate via our Digital Door-knock page, organise a collection in your workplace, school or sporting event.

If you would like to participate or donate, you can contact the local office by phone (02) 6625 0900 or northernrivers@salvationarmy.org.au or Donate online at https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/o/northern-rivers-salvos

Across Australia last year, through The Salvation Army’s network of over 400 centres and 2,000 services in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship, and much more, the Salvos 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.

To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au/northernrivers or call 6625 0900. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.