Applications open – Salvo Snow Mission
Ben and Sue-Ellen Boss-Walker are excited about the opportunities the inaugural Salvo Snow Mission will bring to reach out to those in need in the NSW ski-fields. Photo: Shairon Paterson.
Popular New South Wales ski destination Jindabyne will be the scene for the launch of the first Salvo Snow Mission this year.
Running from 29 June to 13 July, the mission is aimed at reaching out to hurting people in Jindabyne and offering alternative solutions to the troubles they face.
Salvo Snow Mission Team Leader, Sue-Ellen Boss-Walker, says living in these areas can be very expensive during snow season as the price of everyday items such as fuel rises significantly: “There are a lot of people who struggle financially but they’re just too proud to show it,” she says.
Mrs Boss-Walker says some in the community turn to alcohol or drugs as a source of entertainment during the off-season, and often children become entangled in this too. The situation only gets worse when the town of 3,500 swells to over 100,000 throughout the snow season.
”It’s like schoolies week for four months straight,” says Mrs Boss-Walker.
The Salvo Snow Mission will run for two weeks during the NSW school holidays. The Salvation Army will operate a 24 hour drop-in centre, focussing on getting young people off the streets. By day, there will be activities for children, including music classes, story time, and craft. From 5pm, a youth orientated space will be created, with video games and occasional movies nights. Then, from 10pm, it will become a drop in-centre where people can escape the winter chill and party scene with good conversation and a cuppa.
When researching the mission last year, Mrs Boss-Walker says The Salvation Army discovered that many residents are not able to afford nutritious food regularly, so the Salvo Snow Mission will also have a truck kitchen set up offering breakfast, dinner, and a 24/7 Driver Reviver.
For those interested in taking part, the mission trip will cost $500, which includes accommodation, food, and a uniform consisting of a t-shirt, beanie and polar fleece.
Sue-Ellen Boss-Walker says she is looking for hard workers who are comfortable working with people of all ages to join the Salvo Snow Mission. Applications close on 19 March.
If you are interested you can contact louise.nicholson@aue.salvationarmy.org or sue-ellen.boss-walker@aue.salvationarmy.org.
Report by Nathalia Rickwood
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