THE Salvation Army in Sunraysia is calling on locals to roll up their sleeves and help ease the financial burden for the community’s most vulnerable members in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s Red Shield Appeal, which runs throughout May, has an added Digital Doorknock element, which pastor Debbie Serojales hopes will make it even easier for people to get involved.
“COVID has definitely affected how we would normally fundraise,” she said.
“We’re adding the Digital Doorknock, where people can register for a page and raise funds online, which then come directly back to the Sunraysia Salvation Army.
“Of course, we still have our community collection points in shopping centres and supermarkets.
“We couldn’t do that last year, so that’s a bonus, that’s where we can connect and chat with people.
“Getting some more support (from volunteers) would be amazing … it helps us reach as many people as we can.”
Ms Serojales said an “hour or two” of time from community members could make a big difference.
“The funds raised help us to be able to help others … but it’s also about connecting with community and having conversations, that’s really important as well,” she said.
“I know our volunteers are really looking forward to getting out there again into the community.”
The Sunraysia goal this year for the Salvation Army is $15,000.
“We didn’t get that last year because of (COVID-19) but we think it’s achievable if we all work together,” she said.
“There’s such a need, there’s always a need, but especially for people that are still struggling through the pandemic and getting their life back on track.
“(We want to) continue to help those who were already in a difficult situation, so we want to do the best that we can for these families.
“Money raised helps us to provide the services that we provide every day — assisting families in crisis, practical support, financial counselling — but also, looking ahead to things like the Christmas lunch that we provide to the community.”
People can register for the Digital Doorknock 2021 or donate to the Red Shield Appeal at www.salvationarmy.org.au.
