News

Mirvac property group is putting its creative and corporate weight behind The Salvation Army’s Digital Doorknock, calling on its customers and communities, design partners and staff to decorate their doors red to support the annual Red Shield Appeal.

Creative thinking for good

While the doorknock fundraiser has been a tradition since 1965, COVID-19 has forced The Salvation Army to go digital at a time when Salvos’ services are needed more than ever.

Mirvac Head of Residential, Stuart Penklis, is leading the #decorateyourdoorred campaign by example, decorating his door with the help of his family and posting it to Mirvac’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

“With financial hardship, isolation and domestic violence all on the rise as a result of COVID-19, the support provided by The Salvation Army is more vital than ever,” said Mr Penklis.

“We are inviting our many thousands of Mirvac customers and all Australians to get involved and show their support visually to raise awareness. If I can get decorating, I am sure there are others who will welcome this opportunity to do something creative for good.”

Others getting in on the door decorating action include academic and author Susan Carland, architect William Smart, designer and stylist Emma Elizabeth, Australian House & Garden magazine editor-in-chief Tanya Buchanan, interior stylist Steve Cordony, fashion illustrator Megan Hess, painter and public artist Rowena Martinich and REA Group chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

Childhood experience inspires support

Author, business advisor, futurist and demographer Bernard Salt AM (pictured) has also thrown his support behind Mirvac’s ‘decorate your door red’ fundraiser.

“When I was growing up in public housing, I saw how the Salvos made a difference to the lives of kids in the neighbourhood,” says Bernard. “They were compassionate, generous, non-judgemental and importantly, they made a difference. Their good work left a lasting impression on me. 

“It seems to me that the Salvos are always in there helping out in the places where help is most urgently needed. Thanks for the wonderful work you do, Salvos. I am happy to donate."

“The Salvation Army is very thankful that Mirvac is standing with us through the ‘decorate your door red’ campaign in support of Australians in need of social support,” says spokesperson for the Salvos, Major Bruce Harmer (pictured with Bernard Salt). 

“Our Red Shield Appeal represents direct support delivery for thousands of Australians who come to The Salvation Army in need of our wide range of services.”

Those who want to help make a difference without decorating their doors can make a contribution by signing up for the Mirvac Digital Doorknock and knocking on friends' and family's 'digital doors'.