My support saves lives

Written by regular donor Tricia Bowen

A few years ago I started seeing more and more people sleeping rough on the streets of Melbourne. At the same time I was reading and hearing news stories about the growing disparity between rich and poor.

Despite living in one of the richest nations on earth, people are struggling to put a roof over their heads, and to prepare a decent meal for themselves and their families. I wanted to do something to help alleviate the effects of this growing inequity. So I chose to start making a regular donation to The Salvation Army.

Why the Salvos? They are an organisation with a presence and a reputation. They are visible, active and recognisable within our community. That very presence and reputation means that those who are in need know that the Salvos will be there to help, to offer a lifeline, if they should need it.

As a regular donor I am kept fully informed as to the work the Salvos do. I’ve read about their initiatives to assist those experiencing homelessness. I’ve read about the aid they offer to people caught up in emergencies and disasters, the assistance they give to the elderly, to young people, to those recovering from addiction. This is the work they do, on our behalf, across our community, day after day.

I can’t imagine how it would feel to not have a safe and secure place that I could call home. But that is the experience of thousands of people across Australia. It’s a challenge that governments appear to be managing but not solving.

Thank goodness for the Salvos. They are there on the ground supporting men, woman and children, who are impacted by homelessness. The Salvos uphold and practice a number of important values. Respect, compassion, decency.

Making a regular donation to the Salvos’ work seemed to be a very small but positive step in assisting the most vulnerable in our community, and to counteract the impact of growing inequity.

It’s a decision I’m glad I made.

You can join Tricia and transform the lives of thousands of vulnerable Australians with an ongoing monthly donation. To learn more please call us on 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or click here.