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Red Shield Appeal launches in Brisbane

28 March 2013
Red Shield Appeal launches in Brisbane

Stan Walker and The Salvation Army’s Commissioner James Condon at the Brisbane launch of the Red Shield Appeal. (Photo courtesy of facebook.com/TheSalvationArmyAustralia)


If you want to be a part of spreading justice, hope, compassion and respect for human dignity, then I encourage you to flex your charity muscles and give to The Salvation Army – world leaders in these areas. 

- Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley AC, Governor of Queensland.

Ms Wensley, Queensland’s Red Shield Appeal patron, officially launched the appeal in Brisbane on 26 March. On-the-day donations totalled $450,000, plus $180,000 in sponsorship.

The emphasis on giving hope resonated throughout the launch. “The Salvation Army stands for hope – hope for the homeless, the cold and the hungry in Queensland, but they can’t do it without us,” said Mr Phil Kesby, Brisbane Red Shield Appeal Chairman.

“The Salvation Army specialises in optimism, hope, individual care and restoring confidence to those who have none. Let’s do our part and support them,” said The Honourable Campbell Newman, Premier of Queensland.

Major Mark Campbell, South Queensland Divisional Commander encouraged the gathering to consider the needy, particularly those living with a mental illness.

Stan Walker, recording artist, actor, television personality and ambassador for the Red Shield Appeal, gave a special performance of his new song, Take It Easy, and spoke about his role as ambassador.

“It’s such a privilege for me to serve in his way and to be an adopted member of The Salvation Army,” he said.

The launch also featured two speakers with powerful testimonies.

Ms Mandy Harradine shared her long battle with a mental illness and her journey from hopelessness to a transformed life with a job, family and confidence.

“The Salvation Army listened to me as a person and took time to hear my voice,” she said.

Mr John Kourkouridis, shared his journey from a stable family with a good education to a drug and alcohol addict living in despair and hopelessness.

“The Salvation Army saved my life and gave me back the meaning, purpose, identity and hope I had lost,” he said.

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The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

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