THE Salvos are calling on the community of Port Macquarie to join in on the annual Red Shield Appeal Doorknock Weekend to raise $10 million and help over one million Aussies.
Port Macquarie residents have been asked to give up a few hours of their time to collect for the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock Weekend (24-25 May) and help to support people in need within the community and across Australia.
The Salvation Army’s Hastings Major Brett Gallagher said the generosity of the people of Port Macquarie would help to ensure that the organisation could continue to support the vast amount of people in need of social services.
“The residents of Hastings, Port Macquarie and Australians across the country can help us ensure that we reach our target of $10 million for this year’s doorknock weekend,” Major Gallagher said.
“Volunteers who are willing to spare a few hours to rally around the Port Macquarie community are key to The Salvation Army reaching our goals and raising funds that go directly back in to our programs and social services.”
Major Gallagher said the Salvation Army operated a number of programs across Port Macquarie including welfare and community services, Bethany Aged Care Facility services, emergency services, New Horizons Seniors Group programs and Kids and Families programs.
Urging people to give generously to the appeal, he said demand for assistance was increasing in the Port Macquarie area.
“There are people out there really struggling and anything you are going to give is going to help,” he said.
He added that many of the people who needed help had never envisaged themselves in that situation.
“We’ve helped many families when someone has lost a job and suddenly accommodation and food and other bills become unaffordable,” he said.
“The Salvation Army can pick up families who fall on hard times and help with issues from drug, alcohol and gambling rehabilitation to food assistance, skills development and job placement. It’s imperative that we maintain these services and the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock is integral to providing the funds so we can continue to help those that need it.”
To volunteer simply call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvos.org.au
To donate to the Red Shield Appeal please call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), visit salvos.org.au, or in person at any Westpac Bank branch or by posting your cheque to P.O. Box 9888 in your capital city.
