Doorknock done and dusted
This past week, on the back of freshly released data, Australians have learned that the need to dig deep is greater than ever before. Average hard working Aussie battlers are doing it tough. Not only are they going without luxuries that many of us enjoy, they are going without necessities; meals, heating and prescribed medications. So in an attempt to alleviate their hardship it was time to do our bit. With all the preparations done toward a weekend of doorknocking for the Red Shield Appeal, all there was to do was turn up… and knock.
The Salvation Army has been blessed with the wonderful support of many community minded business men and women, and volunteers from every part of the communities we live in. Every one of these volunteers, as well as those in our own ranks, have worked together to make this year’s Red Shield Appeal a success. No matter what the circumstances were on theday our faithful volunteers did their best.
Whether it was the heat in Far North Queensland or an overcast rainy day in Sydney, the collectors knocked on doors and stood at shopping centres to receive the donations of a generous community.
Nationally the goal was set for $81 million, with $39 million of that to be collected in the Australian Eastern Territory. It was predicted that it would be a tough ask with our communities having already given so generously to the flood appeals earlier this year. Although there will be more donations to be processed in the coming weeks, over the doorknock weekend a total of approximately $4.3 million was collected. Combine this with the business donations already received, and those sent in response to the national mail out, the total collected in the Australian Eastern Territory is currently at approximately $26.3 million.
Whether the Red Shield Appeal zones were inundated with collectors or light on, whether areas were completely or partially covered, whether collectors were facing rain, hail or shine…..the job was done for another year and communities across this country have supported The Salvation Army and the work they do. For this we, and our communities, are forever grateful. It’s a big shout out to the Red Shield Appeal and all those who contributed to it. Just another 372 days to go until the next one.
Report by Major Carolyn Harmer
Comments
Love the photo - full of personality and joy!
Great enthusiasm and vibrancy of spirit. Keep 'kicking-up your heels' Salvos.
Robyn, I have a problem with the statement of Red Shield Done and Dusted, there is still the other 364 days to represent the organisation, the Army is always welcopmed at stations , hotels and shopping centres , lets carry a message as we represent Gods Army, one of Love ,Care and Hope,