The Salvation Army is calling on the local community to volunteer with the annual Red Shield Appeal as they seek to recruit 10,000 ‘Digital Doorknockers’ across the country.

Now in its 56th year, The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvos flagship fundraising appeal which aims to raise $32 million to fund over 2000 centres and services across Australia. In the Northern Rivers, The Salvos are aiming to raise $26,000, with funds raised locally staying local.

After the devastating impact of COVID-19 in 2020, The Salvos are seeing some of the greatest need in their history, making this year’s Red Shield Appeal vitally important.

The Salvos need community members to volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal for the rest of May in their local area, where all local funds raised will stay in the community.

“The Northern Rivers community have always faithfully backed The Salvos, and this year we need people to volunteer and raise funds to ensure that we can continue the work in the community for years to come,” says Captain Donna and Philip.

(Northern Rivers Salvation Army Captain Donna Sutcliffe with son Jacob) 

“Last year, through the generous support of the community, even amongst all the CoVid restrictions during the Red Shield Appeal, we were able to raise vital funds that allowed us to continue our Christmas Cheer program and help over 100 families with Toys and Food hampers, bringing hope to families during the Christmas Season.

Money raised locally this year will help enable us to once again provide support During the Christmas Season, as well as see an expansion of our Community Support and provide support through a new CBD location attached to our Family Store. 

The Salvos are encouraging the community to become ‘Digital Doorknockers’ by creating an online fundraising page to raise money for their local Salvos. To become a Digital Doorknocker, visit https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/t/northern-rivers-salvos, create your personalised page and share it with your family, friends and fellow community members.

Last year, The Salvos across Australia provided over 1 million occasions of care to those in need, supported more than 40,000 people experiencing homelessness, distributed 1.5 million meals through our homelessness services, gave over 43,000 occasions of care to those experiencing family and domestic violence, and distributed almost $100 million worth of financial assistance to people doing it tough.*

Captain Donna says, “The Salvos cannot do what we do without the generosity of the public in our community. If you have the means, please consider donating to the Red Shield Appeal or become a volunteer this year. Your generosity and support will help us to leave no one in need.”

To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visitsalvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.