Red Shield Appeal
Every 17 seconds, The Salvation Army in Australia helps someone in need. And this help is made possible through the generosity of people like you, who support the Red Shield Appeal.
The compounded impact of the financial and social events of the past few years means homelessness and hardship is fast becoming the reality for an increasing number of individuals and families, including more employed Australians.
The Salvation Army has walked alongside Australians for over 140 years — providing shelter, safety and support to those in need. Over the last financial year, we provided over 1 million nights of accommodation and more than $24 million in financial assistance via cash, gift cards, vouchers and more to those in need.
But our work is far from over.
This Red Shield Appeal, we ask you to support us, and be the hope people desperately need to move through uncertainty, towards stability.
Hope renewed for a new mother
37 weeks pregnant and left without a home after domestic violence, Emily had nowhere to go. Then she found the Salvos.
Read Emily's story
The Salvos need your help
This Red Shield Appeal we need your help more than ever! There are many ways to get involved- whether it be knocking on doors, collecting in your local shopping centre or starting a digital fundraising page, you can play a vital part.
Learn moreRed Shield Appeal: Frequently Asked Questions
The Red Shield Appeal runs through the months of April, May and June each year. In 2026, the national Doorknock will take place on 30 and 31 May.
You can donate to the Red Shield Appeal online, or in person. You can also sign up to fundraise on our behalf, or volunteer to help us raise funds.
In 2025, over 20,000 dedicated volunteer fundraisers — people like you — helped raise valuable funds for much-needed programs and services that vulnerable Aussies seek every day.
Red Shield Appeal funds help The Salvation Army deliver vital community programs and social services, such as:
- Emergency financial assistance
- Refuge for women and children in crisis
- Shelter and support for those facing homelessness
- Crisis, transitional and long-term housing
- Youth drop-in centres and support programs
- Emergency and disaster relief (immediate support, all the way to long-term recovery)
- Drug and alcohol addiction recovery and rehabilitation support
- Employment training programs
- Chaplaincy
In FY2024-2025, The Salvation Army’s social programs across Australia:
- Assisted more than 228,500 people and provided nearly 1.75 million sessions of care to people in need
- Provided over $24.1 million in financial assistance to people in need
- Assisted more than 38,000 people at risk of or facing homelessness, and provided over 1.4 million meals to those who accessed homelessness services
- Assisted nearly 11,000 people with financial counselling via Moneycare financial services
- Assisted more than 42,000 jobseekers look for employment
You can be the hope people need.
Right now, countless mums and kids are at great risk of, or facing homelessness. Others are struggling through hardship, crisis and isolation, with nowhere safe to turn. Your support of the Red Shield Appeal means more families — just like Emily and Hannah — can find safety, stability and hope for the future.
Donate now