She'd just sold her rings to buy food for her twins...

It was Christmas when Petra came to the Salvos...

When you're a Salvo often the time you meet people is when they've hit rock bottom. People have their dignity. They do their best to handle things on their own. No one likes to come for help. You only do it when there's nowhere else to go. I remember when Petra came in. It was just before Christmas.

The little girls were beautiful, but you could see in Petra's eyes how weary she was. Twins are tough enough. But on your own? And when one has cerebral palsy and epilepsy? It doesn't matter how strong you are or how hard you work, that's impossible.

With nothing left to sell to care for her twin girls, Petra was desperate when she came to the Salvos.

It was Christmas when Petra came to the Salvos. She'd just sold her rings to buy food for her twins. Salvos Officer Maggie Ingham was there to help.

Petra told me about losing her car, and all the medical bills. She'd sold her rings to buy food for the girls. Now she had nothing left to sell.

I work for The Salvation Army Moneycare program. On my own I see half a dozen people like Petra every week. You'd be surprised how quickly things get out of control. Sickness, losing your job, relationship breakdown. People put bills on the credit card to get by, but then interest and charges kick in, and soon it's out of control. The debt recovery program can be really frightening for people.

Maggie Ingham from the Salvos Moneycare program offered guidance and advice … and a shoulder to lean on.

We helped Petra with a budget, and managing her debts, and taking care of some bills she couldn't.

That's the practical side. But the other thing we do is simply be a friend, someone to share the load when it's too hard on your own.

We'll always be there for people, but it's the practical things where we need help. Looking after the electricity bill for a month, taking around some groceries, providing clothes for the kids - that takes money. And the only place that can come from is other Australians being generous.

Now, Petra is debt-free, and working. She’s even saved a little money to get the girls a Christmas present.

If people could see the results, they'd soon see this is the best Christmas gift they could give.

Look at Petra - she's debt-free now. She's done some training and is working part-time. She's even saved enough money to get a little Christmas present for the girls.

You see their smiles after all they've been through, and that makes it all worthwhile. That's what Christmas is."

Maggie Ingham from The Salvation Army's Moneycare program works with people like Petra to provide guidance and support in helping them overcome financial and social challenges, so they can become financially secure and independent.

What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas is a time when we gather with loved ones to celebrate and reflect on what it means to be a family. Exchanging cards and gifts is one way we can make people around us feel special. I also like to include others in my celebrations as not everyone has a family to share the special day with or a present under the tree.

Olwyn - Supporter of The Salvation Army

Away in a manger

In the 8 weeks to Christmas, 300,000 Australians will seek Salvos help - for some their stable' is the back of a car, or a run-down boarding house.

'Away in a manger' is one of my favourite Christmas carols. It makes me think of rosy-cheeked children, singing boldly, all wide-eyed with the joy of Christmas.

Yet consider the words 'no crib for a bed', and what happened that first Christmas. A young woman in late stages of pregnancy. The fiancé nervous and anxious, searching the streets for a place to stay. Finally, desperately, their child born in a stable, a rough old shed fit only for animals. Their new-born's bed a trough used for animal feed.

That Christmas is a long way from the tinsel-tied Christmas we enjoy these days.

As a Salvo, though, I know there will be many Australian families over the next few weeks facing as desperate a situation as that first Christmas family. Instead of a stable, some will sleep in a car, or cram into a small room in a broken-down boarding house, or call on friends until they've used up all their goodwill.

They're people like Petra, who you can read in this issue. It was Christmas when she found herself alone and abandoned with two tiny babies, one suffering cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She'd sold her rings to buy food for her children, and when she came to the Salvos she had nowhere else to go.

Thanks to the support of people like you, Petra's story has a happy ending. But I know there will be 300,000 Australians like her who will come to the Salvos for help between now and Christmas. They'll be young families struck by sickness or domestic stress, or who are caring for children with special needs. They'll be rural communities devastated by the drought. They'll be be people lost and lonely, alone and confused.

And while Christmas is a time of joy for most of us, if you’re someone in trouble then it canbe the most challenging time of all. You see others enjoy gifts and celebrations and happiness, and it just makes the pain worse.

What gives me hope is that Christmas is a time when Australians feel comfortable sharing emotions and feelings we normally keep hidden. We can say ‘I love you’ out loud. And not just to our friends and families, we know there’s more to life than just
looking after ourselves. It seems people are looking for something beyond the glitter and tinsel, sensing the true meaning of Christmas lies not in ever larger piles of gifts, but in a generous humble love reaching out to all those with 'no crib for a bed'. That was the meaning of the first Christmas, and it's a message as strong and true now in 2007.

This is my last Christmas putting together 'On the Street' for you. I am taking up a new role in the Salvos Melbourne Central region, where I will more literally be 'on the street'.

While I look forward to that challenge, I will miss the privilege of talking directly with the wonderful people who support the work of the Salvos. Your love and generosity, even when things aren't easy for you, even when we've asked for your help over and over, inspire all of us on the front-line. You'll see the wonderful results of your efforts as you read this edition of 'On the Street', and I thank you on behalf of everyone you help.

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce Major Neil Venables who will continue to keep in touch with you, sharing with you the important programmes that your generous support makes possible. In the coming months you will get to know Neil in his new role as Territorial Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army Southern Territory.

It is my Christmas prayer your heart will continue to be touched with love and compassion, and that you will always know the blessing of the child 'away in a manger' that first Christmas.

Wayne D. Pittaway (Major)
Territorial Public Relations Secretary
Australian Southern Territory

Kids in the Heart of the Drought

As Australian rural communities pray for rain, and Governments work to support farmers through the worst drought in history, children are the forgotten victims.

Children see the stress and pain their parents are under, and the long fruitless hours of work to try to earn enough money to pay the bills. The children no longer have any of life's 'luxuries' and have no idea what the future holds.

Thanks to your support through the Salvos, more than 100 children from drought-struck rural families in northern Victoria recently had the chance to forget about their worries for a while.

The Salvation Army Heart Song Kids Camp offered a change of scenery and a chance for children to socialise with others, and travel to Victor Harbour, South Australia, to see the dusk parade of the Little Penguins. It was an exciting experience the children will never forget.

According to Major Lyn Cochrane, Territorial Drought Coordinator, the camp was a blessing for parents too:

The kids' camp was important as it gave the opportunity for parents to have a break during the school holidays. Rural families are under constant pressure and kids need some time away to forget their worries, enjoy themselves and make many new friends.

have been wonderfully generous to rural communities through The Salvation Army Drought Appeal. Along with corporate partners and the State Government, your support means Salvos can help those in need with domestic water, food vouchers, bill payments and easing the financial burden of family and school expenses.

It is predicted that dairy farms may take up to 12 years to recover from this crisis and your support is crucial. Funds raised through the Drought Appeal strengthen the capacity of families to survive the drought, help to keep the lives of children as normal as possible, and build community morale.

As we look toward Christmas, please keep these families in your thoughts, and pray for rain. You can be certain The Salvation Army will stand alongside rural families for as long as we are needed, providing the emotional support and comfort that Government financial assistance can't always provide.

IMPORTANT: Over the next critical months, we will keep you updated on the drought situation, and what you can do to help rural communities through the Salvos.

What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas is a time for families, we think of our loved ones, those near and far and we remember them in some way. It may be a card or a gift, a visit or a phone call. We play catch up for those times during the year when we have gotten too busy. It is a time to stop and reflect.

Happy Christmas from Harry Hunter's!

The two-phase program offered by The Salvation Army in Western Australia through the Bridge House and Harry Hunter's Farm provides a person with the best possible chance to beat their addiction and transform their life.

After the initial detoxification process at Bridge House, clients are encouraged to spend a further four months at Harry Hunter's Farm. Here up to 40 people, both male and female, can work on building a life without drugs or alcohol and focus on positive aspects of their lives. Residents work on the cattle farm as part of work therapy, engage with trained psychologists and counsellors, and become responsible for their own lives.

Captains Peta and Troy Pittaway work with the residents at Harry Hunter's encouraging them to embrace a life without drugs and alcohol. The role of a therapist is a challenging one however, as Peta shared in our 'without love you are nothing' booklet, it is a role that she was drawn to through personal experience with a destructive addiction.

This year is Captain Peta's first at Harry Hunter's and although the people living there are working through one of their life's biggest challenges there isstill a chance to celebrate the festive season. At Harry Hunter's, residents will celebrate Christmas with many festive activities like a tour of the local Christmas lights, a Christmas Eve movie night and a Christmas morning chapel service. Residents and staff at the centre will also share a hearty Christmas lunch and each client will receive a small gift from The Salvation Army. Much like your favourite Christmas activities, clients and staff will not miss out on the fun this Christmas.

Flying Padre Delivers Christmas Cheer

When you live in remote parts of the Northern Territory and northern parts of Western Australia, isolation is simply a fact of life.

That’s why for nearly 120 remote stations and communities in the Top End, The Army Flying Padre, Captain David Shrimpton, is a welcome guest.Flying in by a Cessna 182, the Flying Padre provides families with emergency relief when it’s needed most.

All year the Flying Padre extends the gift of personal counsel with his physical presence a valued present. The Flying Padre will be even more welcome by children of the Top End this Christmas.

As children dream of Santa arriving with his sleigh, the Flying Padre will bring with him a special delivery of Christmas cheer - as well as Santa himself. Although there is no need for carrots for the reindeer, and no danger of Santa getting stuck in the chimney, a visit from the Flying Padre will be a Christmas highlight!

This year the Flying Padre’s sleigh-run will take him from Emu Point, one hour south west of Darwin to Newcastle Waters more than two hours south of Darwin and then to Bickerton Island two hours south east of Darwin. Between these three communities more than 70 children will receive gifts delivered by Santa.

The Flying Padre will also hold a Christmas carol service where all members of the local community can come together and share the spirit of Christmas.

When the Christmas run is over, the Flying Padre conducts weddings, funerals and other ceremonies during the year, as well as offering valuable friendship and spiritual ministry. His is a listening ear and a shoulder of support for people who may feel isolated and need someone to talk with.

100 Happy Returns Edna!

When Mrs Edna Trethowan celebrated her 100th birthday this year more than 75 people from all over Australia gathered at her home in Perth to share the wonderful occasion.

Having lived through two World Wars and the Great Depression, Edna had many stories to tell as she reflected on her life.

Among her audience were members of The Salvation Army WA Wills and Bequests Team, who dropped in to share in the celebration. Edna, like many other people around the country, has chosen to include a bequest (donation in her Will) to The Salvation Army. Edna fondly remembers the support The Salvation Army provided both her brother and husband during the war.

After providing for ones’ family, leaving a bequest to The Salvation Army is a wonderful act of generosity, and an opportunity to give perhaps the biggest gift in your life. Through a bequest, you can take an active part in the ongoing work of changing people’s lives for the better.

Please contact The Salvation Army Wills and Bequests Representatives in your state for details or call 13-SALVOS (that’s 13-72-58).

‘Shiny Shoes Shoe Shine’ Success Story Shines!

You may remember the uplifting story of Neill and his shoe shine business from this year’s Red Shield Appeal. The great news is this success story has now achieved even more success!

Neill was first taken into care when he was 10 years old. Sadly he already had a substantial alcohol problem. From there Neill’s life as an adult was a destructive mix of drugs, violence, trouble with the law, and broken relationships. A few years ago Neill found himself homeless when his family asked him to leave.

It was a chance meeting with a Salvation Army Officer in Bendigo that provided Neill with hope and an opportunity to turn his life around. After finding a place at The Salvation Army Flagstaff Crisis Accommodation Centre, Neill began work on his problems and looked forward to a positive future.

While dealing with his addiction problems Neill also learnt skills that would help him start his own business and gain independence. Neill, with some assistance from The Salvation Army and local business Harrolds Menswear, started his own shoe shining business on Collins Street in Melbourne. He took his chore of shining shoes at the boys’ home many years ago, and turned it into a way of making his life better.

Neill’s business “Shiny Shoes Shoe Shine” has become so successful he now provides customers a glass enclosure to sit in away from the hustle and bustle of busy Collins Street. There’s also the exciting possibility that Neill may open a second location, offering someone else the chance of also finding independence.

Neill is getting involved with AA programs for others and enjoying spending time with his children. Neill is just one of thousands of people whose life has been turned around, and whose dreams are coming true, because of the generous support of Australians through the Salvos. Thank you!  

What do crows eat for breakfast?

Adelaide Crows superstar Andrew McLeod and some of his team mates have joined
The Salvation Army in an innovative program to support disadvantaged indigenous youth.

The six week pilot program involves mentoring and confidence building at The Salvation Army headquarters in Adelaide. A healthy breakfast was just one way of encouraging the young people on the road to a better future!

The Salvation Army Connections 07

Join us 23-25 November in Melbourne

The World Leaders of The Salvation Army, General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton will be in Melbourne for Connections 07 celebrations. There will also be an exhibition of Salvation Army programs and related services at the Melbourne Convention Centre on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th of November. For more information please visit www.connections07.salvationarmy.org.au

Making Christmas brighter for those in need

Spirit of Christmas CD

Myer is supporting the Salvos through the wonderful Spirit of Christmas CD, now in it’s 13th year of production. It features popular artists like Christine Anu, Guy Sebastian, and Damien Leith singing Christmas favourites.

This delightful collection of Christmas songs will compliment any celebration this festive season. Now available exclusively at Myer for $19.95 until December 25, this CD brings the joy of music and Christmas to homes while also assisting the less fortunate this festive season. The profits from the sale of this CD support vital Salvation Army services. As an added bonus each CD purchased comes with an iTunes gift card offering bonus internet downloads of some of last years carols.

Kmart Wishing Tree

Help us to provide presents for many people who may otherwise go without. The simple gesture of buying an additional present this year and placing it under the tree will bring happiness to another person. When you are shopping this year for gifts for people who seem to “have everything” please also consider those who are not as fortunate. The Kmart Wishing Tree is located inside your local Kmart store.

Plum Puddings aid Drought Effort

Each year the Honesty Shoppe generously produces thousands of delicious Christmas puddings in support of the Salvos. These yummy puddings are created with only the finest Australian ingredients which are sourced from drought affected regions and best of all the profits go directly to the Christmas Appeal, assisting Australian families in need.
You can purchase a 900g pudding for $24.95 through www.salvationarmy.org.au/christmas or by calling 03 9326 5211.

Crisis Care at Christmas

This Christmas we expect more than 300,000 people across Australia in both metropolitan and rural areas will need urgent help from The Salvation Army. Assistance needed includes nearly a quarter of a million toys for poor families and children, and 100,000 food vouchers or hampers. The Salvos also plan to serve Christmas lunch to over 8,000 nationally.

If you would like some further information about The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal activities please visit www.salvationarmy.org.au/christmas for further information.