The Salvation Army Australia is calling on Central Coast residents to throw their support behind its annual Red Shield Appeal on May 28 and 29, with all funds raised locally to support services in the region.
Salvos Public Relations Director, Central Coast, Rod Dibley said the appeal, now in its 56th year, aims to raise $36M nationally.
“On the Central Coast, the Salvos are aiming to raise over $183,000 to be used on the vital services in the local community,” he said.
“After a tough few years, residents are still feeling the impacts of multiple disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a result, this year the Salvos are highlighting the ‘shadow pandemic’ that’s destroying lives: family and domestic violence.
“Sadly, risks of domestic violence have increased in the past 12 months due to economic insecurity.
“Approximately one in four women in the community will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and it is the largest cause of women and children becoming homeless.”
Dibley said the Central Coast had a history of support for the appeal and he hoped this year would be no different.
“Last year, through the generous support of the Central Coast towards the Red Shield Appeal, we were able to offer hope to local people where and when it was needed most,” he said.
“Along with The Salvation Army’s focus on family and domestic violence, money raised locally this year will also help the Salvos to operate: Dooralong Transformation Centre’s rehabilitation program for women and children with drug, alcohol and gambling addictions; and Oasis Youth Centre, offering a range of services and programs to disadvantaged young people at risk of being caught up in homelessness, crime and social isolation.
One local business throwing its support behind the appeal is F45 Gym in Gosford.
Cameron Stow-Smith said members of the gym were being encouraged to donate and help fundraise for the appeal.
“The response has been great and we have so far raised over $1,800,” he said.
“We are aiming to raise $5,000 by Saturday (May 28) when we have a fundraising Open Day for the Salvos.”
On the day, anyone can come in and train in return for a donation to the Salvos.
“We have a DJ organised and we will all be dressing in red to show our support of the Salvos and make it a fun day for all,” Stow-Smith said.
“F45 Gosford is a great community of like-minded people, and we believe that together we can help the wider community by supporting the Salvos.”
Those wanting to attend the Open Day on May 28 can register their interest by emailing gosford@f45training.com.au.
The Salvos are still in need of volunteers across the Central Coast to collect in the community.
“We cannot do what we do without you,” Dibley said.
“If you have the means, please consider becoming a volunteer or donating to the Red Shield Appeal this year. Your generosity and support will help us to leave no one in need.”
To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.
Source:
Media release, May 23
Salvation Army Central Coast