Red Shield Appeal for a great community service

The Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, today welcomed the start of The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, which raises funds to help the country’s most vulnerable people.

“The Salvation Army is a valuable community service and this year marks the 45th anniversary of the appeal,” Ms Collins said.

“This year, the appeal aims to raise $81.5 million, with around $10 million collected by the 100,000 dedicated volunteers during the doorknock appeal today and tomorrow.

“The Australia Government recognises this great work and has contributed $350,000 to support this year’s Appeal.

“In fact, the Australian Government has made a donation to the Red Shield Appeal every year since 2007.

“This donation will help the Salvation Army to provide support to rural and remote communities in core service areas, particularly to victims of domestic violence, the homeless, families facing crisis, disadvantaged youth and people with addictions.

“These annual donations to the Appeal are part of our ongoing support to the great work The Salvation Army do each and every day.”

The Red Shield Appeal underpins over 1,000 community welfare programs in Australia with more than 1 million requests for assistance made to the Salvation Army.