Businesses back Salvos at Red Shield Appeal launch
Margaret, a survivor of domestic slavery, shares her story at the launch. (Photo by Lena Pobjie)
Sydney’s business community dug deep at The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal launch at The Westin Hotel on 6 April, with over $1.4 million donated and pledged on the day.
Attended by more than 500 guests, the launch was compered by Channel Nine television presenter Georgie Gardner, who opened by sharing her passion for the Army’s work with young people facing mental illnesses. Georgie then encouraged the business community to give generously.
“For whatever reason or reasons, many of our precious young people are hurting,” she said. “We’re talking, of course, about tomorrow’s leaders, tomorrow’s carers, tomorrow’s parents, tomorrow’s decision-makers, teachers and innovators and they’re just one troubled sector of the community turning to The Salvation Army every day for help. So for the Salvos to render assistance, it’s our duty to assist the Salvos.”
Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon, welcomed distinguished guests, including NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner, Catherine Burn, former chair of The Salvation Army Territorial Appeal, Roger Massy-Greene and Stephen Conry, CEO of Jones Lang Lasalle, National Sponsor of the Red Shield Appeal launch.
The newly appointed Chair of The Salvation Army Territorial Appeal and Fund Development Committee, Frank O’Halloran, followed and announced donations of $600,000 from various individuals in the room, including his own donation of $200,000. NSW Attorney General Gabrielle Upton spoke on behalf of Premier Mike Baird and announced the NSW Government’s donation of $200,000 to the Red Shield Appeal.
Margaret, a victim of domestic slavery before she was assisted by the Army’s Trafficking and Slavery Safe House, then shared her story. She explained how she was forced by an Australian family to work up to 12 hours a day, without pay, and sleep under the kitchen table with the family’s dogs.
“Today you can give a new hope to ending slavery in Australia. Your support will ensure that The Salvation Army continues its commitment to protecting the most basic right of human rights – the right to be free.”
Moved by Margaret’s testimony, Frank rose to the stage to increase his donation by $25,000.
Guest speaker and Greater Sydney Commission Chief Commissioner, Lucy Turnbull, announced a $50,000 donation from the Turnbull Foundation. She spoke of the importance of creating a resilient nation and praised the Army for paving the way in this area.
“I think the Salvos represent the idea of resilience in a very special way,” she said. “I think the Salvos are really one important piece in the great fortress of resilience in Australian society and great exemplars of resilience in action.”
Former NSW Governor, Marie Bashir, reiterated her support for the Army and encouraged others in the room to do the same. Chief Secretary, Colonel Mark Campbell, concluded the lunch with a prayer.
More than 20 Red Shield Appeal launches will be held across the Australia Eastern Territory during April and May.
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