Salvos to come a-knocking this weekend
The Salvation Army urges people in the Ballina Shiare area to dig deep for this year’s Red Shield Appeal (the big doorknock is on this weekend, May 24th/25th), highlighting that mortgage stress is now having a significant impact on the Salvos – bringing all kinds of people they haven’t seen before to their door.
Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Director Major Gary Masters says mortgage stress is a more serious problem than it was 12 months ago with the issue deepening because of higher food, petrol and rent costs all impacting on Australians in crisis.
Over 100,000 Australians are expected to mobilise around the nation for the big national doorknock.
People can also donate by calling 13 SALVOS – which is 13 72 58 – or they can donate at any Westpac branch or by visiting www.salvos.org.au
Major Masters said: “At a local level budgets are stretched to the limit helping people in need.
“It is very tough for many people right now. Higher food and petrol prices and the cost of rent are really impacting on people who are already having a tough time.
“We are seeing an impact from mortgage stress that cannot be measured yet.
“What we do know is it is a serious problem, much more so than 12 months ago – and it’s deepening.
“It’s clear for Australians on the breadline, when costs rise, it doesn’t take much to tip them over into a situation where they need assistance from the Salvos.
“Funds are desperately needed to maintain many critical services. Our national target for the Red Shield Appeal is $68 million.”
Red Shield collectors can be easily identified by the clear ID tags they will be wearing. Donations can also be made through 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or at any Westpac branch or via www.salvos.org.au.
