Believe in good
Believe in good this Christmas
“It was full of goodness, full of smiles. We were on such a high when we finished... I thought, what better way to spend Christmas than with people who need a little bit of love, a little bit of kindness?” — Holly, volunteer
Spending her first Christmas away from her family in England, Holly volunteered at The Salvation Army’s community Christmas lunch in Katherine, Northern Territory.
In the heart of the outback heat, far from the frosty West Midlands of England, she joined 46 other Christmas volunteers. Together they served more than 150 local community members including families and those sleeping rough.
Through this experience, Holly discovered the special joy that comes from volunteering. Her story reminds us that the real goodness of Christmas is not what we receive, but what we give — our time, compassion and love.
If you believe in good, why not consider volunteering with The Salvation Army this Christmas? You too can help share goodness this Christmas with others.
What does good mean to The Salvation Army?
Good is a simple yet profound word that can mean different things to each of us. For The Salvation Army, good is more than a word – it is a belief.
This belief drives us to keep finding new ways and places to make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we’re there each day offering support, safety, community and opportunity.
It is helping people at their point of need — with a roof and a warm meal, a safe space when they feel isolated, a listening ear, and walking alongside communities through and after crisis — and so much more.
Why good?
The meaning of good has been diluted over the years. But at The Salvation Army, we have always believed in its power. It reflects our belief in a good God and our calling to share the goodness of God with others.
For over 140 years in Australia, we have seen that hardship can strike anywhere, at any time — be it homelessness or housing stress, drug or alcohol addiction, family and domestic violence, unemployment, financial stress, natural disaster or another crisis.
Through it all, we keep putting faith into action, bringing hope, care and practical help where it’s needed most.
Good news for all people this Christmas
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10–11, NIV)
Bringing back the good
‘Is good even that good anymore?’ quips Will in a Salvation Army TV ad. And he’s not wrong.
For The Salvation Army, good is more than just a word — it is the belief that inspires us to fight hardship and injustice and support those in need. Together, let’s put the meaning back into good.
What good looks like across Australia
How we deliver good across Australia
Every 17 seconds, someone is helped by The Salvation Army in Australia. In FY2022, we provided more than 1.86 million sessions of care across our social programs. Here are some of the ways we’re privileged to bring good to people in need.
Homelessness support services
Transforming lives through safe and stable housing options brings the goodness of hope for the future. In FY2023-2024, The Salvation Army Homelessness Services:
- Assisted nearly 40,000 people and provided more than 340,000 sessions of care to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness
- Provided more than 747,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness
- Provided nearly 1.5 million meals to people staying in our residential facilities
Youth services
Believing in the good that comes from supporting young people to reach their potential. In FY2022, we assisted more than 4000 young people needing support and helped more than 500 young people learn how to drive.
Alcohol and Other Drug services
Supporting people facing problematic alcohol and other drug use access services that help them move forward. In FY2022, we supported more than 11,000 people facing addiction to alcohol and other drugs and gambling at rehabilitation services.
Family and domestic violence support services
Upholding every person’s right to be safe, empowered and free from violence. In FY2022, we supported over 10,000 women and children who experienced family and domestic violence.
Salvos Stores
Doing good for those facing hardship or crisis, as well as our planet. In FY2022, Salvos Stores generated over $18 million in profit, which directly funded our support services and community programs.
Finding employment
Supporting people in their search for a job that brings a sense of purpose and greater empowerment. In FY2022, Employment Plus supported over 50,500 job seekers to find employment.
