The Salvation Army’s National Multicultural Launch, as part of the annual Red Shield Appeal, was launched by the head of The Salvation Army Australia, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and National President, Australia India Business Council, Jodi McKay, bringing together business, community and media leaders from 20-plus multicultural community groups at Sydney Startup Hub.

Now in its 59th year, the Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army’s flagship fundraising Appeal and aims to raise $37 million nationally to support people in need across Australia, including the critical work The Salvation Army does within multicultural communities.

The Multicultural Launch, hosted by MultiConnexions Group, which has been running for more than 20 years, is an important event for The Salvation Army as it offers a chance to connect and communicate with diverse Australian groups. 

Captain Tara McGuigan from The Salvation Army said: “We are a proud, multicultural country and we acknowledge the valuable contributions culturally and linguistically diverse groups make to our society.”

“We don’t want anybody to struggle alone, and we remain committed to working alongside multicultural communities providing services and programs that have a lasting impact,” Capt McGuigan said.

“The Salvation Army’s Multicultural Launch is a great way for us to connect with multicultural community leaders who are charity driven and eager to help the less fortunate.”

Jodi McKay, former NSW Leader of the Opposition and National President of Australia India Business Council said: “The Salvation Army’s important work sends a message of hope to those in need. Australia’s multicultural communities are a valuable contributor to our society and economy.

“It is an honour and great privilege to formally launch The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal for 2023 to multicultural communities across Australia,” Ms McKay said.

Sheba Nandkeolyar, CEO of Australia’s leading and largest multicultural marketing agency MultiConnexions Group said: “Our latest Census 2021 has shown us that more than half of Australians are multicultural (either born overseas or have a parent born overseas).

“Many are keen to contribute back to the country they live in and support The Salvation Army, one of Australia’s leading charities that has a national footprint of over 400 centres and 2,000 services around the country,” Ms Nandkeoyar said.

“Similarly, many New Australians face unique challenges and hence MultiConnexions is proud to continue to support The Salvation Army in extending the message of hope to these audiences.”

Earlier last week, Ms Nandkeolyar was honoured with the Eva Burrows Award for the year 2023. Each year, this award honours an eminent person in the community for their contribution towards the Red Shield Appeal campaign.

Each year, through The Salvation Army’s nationwide network of services, The Salvation Army provides*: 

• Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
• More than 1.86 million sessions of care to people in need
• Over 1 million bed nights to those in need of accommodation
• More than 1.52 million meals to people who accessed our homelessness services

To donate to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store or Family Store.

Note: Republished and edited from The Australia Today website. A note at the bottom of gthe artice: "This article was published under The Australia Today’s social responsibility initiative".