Red Shield Appeal 2009
14 May 2008
The Salvation Army say it is going to get much tougher throughout 2009 and it expects a steady increase in people needing their services because of the current recession.
The Salvos say the rise in unemployment will mean more poverty, which will bring more people to their door. They expect to see increased numbers of Australians in crisis throughout 2009 and 2010.
The comments come as The Salvos launch the 2009 Red Shield Appeal. Major Brad Halse, Communications Director for The Salvation Army, says all kinds of people that they haven’t seen before now need their help. They say the need for funds has literally never been greater.
Many iconic Aussies are supporting the appeal, including Toni Collette, General Peter Cosgrove, Mick Doohan, Brett Lee, Todd Russell, Brant Webb and Iva Davies, amongst other stars.
The Salvation Army says it’s going to be much tougher throughout 2009 and they expect a steady increase in clients at their door over the next 18 months because of the recession.
The Salvos say the rise in unemployment will mean more poverty, which will simply bring more people to their door. They expect to see increased numbers of Australians in crisis throughout 2009 and 2010.
The comments come as the Salvos launch their massive Red Shield Appeal 2009. A range of top celebrities are behind the appeal including motorcycle legend Mick Doohan, international actress Toni Collette, General Peter Cosgrove, cricketer Brett Lee, Beaconsfield miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb as well as Icehouse star Iva Davies.
The Red Shield Appeal is now underway and the huge door knock happens on the weekend of 23 and 24 May when thousands of volunteers will mobilise around the nation asking people to donate to The Salvos.
Major Halse says higher food costs and increased costs of living mean huge numbers of Australians are now struggling to make ends meet. He says funds are desperately needed. “It’s becoming increasingly tough. Nothing is more certain than demands on our services will increase very significantly in capital cities and regional areas in the next 12 months.”
The Salvos have to spend close to half a billion dollars a year on programs to help support the community and need to raise $73 million this year through the Red Shield Appeal.
Latest figures show The Salvation Army helps more than one million Australians in crisis each year. If one million people were physically put in one line (holding hands) they would stretch all the way from Melbourne to Sydney and beyond.
All members of the public are being urged to donate to the appeal. People can either donate through 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or through the door knock on the weekend of 23rd and 24th May or through The Salvation Army’s website located at www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate.
Major Halse added, “Demands on our services are escalating at a worrying level. We rely on the public to help us. The gaps are growing. There’s a lot of uncertainty out there. Every donation makes a difference. It’s very tough for many families right now.”
“We are starting to see more and more people who have just never been to The Salvation Army before. The mix is changing. We’re seeing homeowners, people with mortgages and a number of people who traditionally don’t come to us. Obviously it’s very difficult for people when they are seeking help. We’re now seeing more and more sole parents – often mums with one or more children. We’re being stretched to the limit.”
In a typical week The Salvation Army provides:
- more than 100,000 meals
- refuge to 500 victims of abuse
- around 3,000 elderly people with aged care services
- several thousand people with counselling
- more than 500 people addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling with assistance
- between 5,000 and 8,000 food vouchers
- more than 2,000 beds for the homeless
Major Halse said “Our services cover everything from women’s refugees, homeless shelters and domestic violence services to youth crisis centres, gambling counselling services and drug and alcohol programs. Irrespective of anybody’s background, we are always there to support people in crisis.”
General Peter Cosgrove said, “The Salvation Army’s services are utterly remarkable. This is an organisation that rolls its sleeves up and gets on with the job. They make such a huge difference to people’s lives.”
Other well known names who have got behind the 2009 Red Shield Appeal include David Boon, Tim Flannery, Di Morrissey, Ami Williamson, Neil Murray, Mark Mitchell, Suzie Wilks and Tara Brown.
Major Halse added, “Every single day The Salvation Army is helping thousands of people affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness, tragedy and crisis. The funds raised through this appeal enable the Army to be there for people in need each and every day.”
As part of this year’s appeal, there is also a Salvos’ School Challenge with schools planning fundraisers to support the Red Shield Appeal as well as helping with the door knock.
The major door knock around the nation happens on the weekend of May 23rd/24th. People can donate via 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or via www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate.
PHOTOS:
Many stars are supporting the Red Shield Appeal. This includes motorcycle legend Mick Doohan pictured here with Salvo Katie Reid. Other people supporting include Lisa McCune – star of ‘Guys and Dolls’ – pictured here with Major Philip Maxwell. The Salvos urge everyone to dig deep highlighting that funds are desperately needed.
Major Brad Halse, Communications Director
The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory
Phone: (03) 8878 2406 Mobile: 0417 537 950
