In the run up to its annual Red Shield Appeal later this month, the Salvation Army is warning that rising rent, electricity and increasing food prices are crippling many Australian families.
The Salvos point out that figures already show that last year an incredible 80,000 people came to ask for help from their welfare services for the first time ever. They say it’s clear many clients currently feel more depressed and less in control than they did because of the current economic situation. Many top celebrities have put their name behind the appeal, including Jennifer Hawkins, Brett Lee, Duncan Armstrong, Fifi Box, Julie Goodwin, Maggie Tabberer, Ita Buttrose, Wil Anderson, Iva Davies, Andrew Gaze, David Boon and many more.
The Salvation Army’s Major Peter Sutcliffe said: “The simple reality is the need for funds is critical this year. After all the challenges we’ve been facing in recent months helping the victims of floods and people in crisis, our resources are severely stretched.
“We help around 1 million people every year. If you put 1 million people in a line, it would stretch from the centre of Melbourne all the way up the Hume Highway and finish around Newcastle. This is how huge the need is – and that’s why we’re asking people to consider their gift this year and help us.
“It’s clear to us the demand upon our day-to-day social and community services is growing. The increasing cost of living is impacting in a big way on many low income families.”
“We know that data shows over 2.2 million people are now estimated to live in poverty; 75 per cent live in a household where nobody has paid work; 12 per cent of Australian kids live in poverty, which is deeply shocking and very alarming.
“Many of our clients are on the poverty line so when rent, electricity and food prices go up, there’s nothing else they can cut. Often there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, so it’s a terrible cycle they get trapped in.”
“We have an overall goal of $79 million if we are to maintain our vital social programs in the year ahead. It’s sometimes forgotten that The Salvation Army is so much more than food and blankets. We provide crisis accommodation, support for families in need, telephone counselling, bereavement support services, addiction recovery support, emergency services, employment help and much much more.”
The Salvos will be knocking on doors across the nation on 28 and 29 May. They highlight there’s no need to wait until then to donate, because the need is so urgent.
People can donate any time by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) for the cost of a local call. You can also go to www.salvos.org.au or www.salvationarmy.org.au. People can also donate at any Westpac bank branch or post a cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.
Hunters and Collectors’ Mark Seymour is supporting the Red Shield Appeal as the Salvos highlight money is desperately needed to maintain services. Pictured with Mark are Major Bram Cassidy and Captain Gen Peterson from the Salvos.
