Donate, doorknock for Red Shield Appeal

The doorknock will take place on the weekend of May 28 and 29 with donation points set up around the Forbes CBD in the week leading up to that.

Forbes Salvation Army Captain Meaghan Gallagher encourages anyone with a bit of time to spare that weekend to get involved and help doorknock.

“If we can have as many people as we can get come and help us, that’d be lovely,” she said.

“The more [people] we’ve got, the more coverage we get.”

Last year Forbes the Forbes community donated $4,274 during the Red Shield Appeal doorknock.

“We’re looking to do that again, or if we can do better, that’d be great,” Capt Gallagher said.

The national fundraising goal for the Red Shield Appeal doorknock is $8 million, forming part of the overall Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal which aims to raise $74 million across Australia this year.

Funds raised through the Red Shield Appeal go directly to support vital Salvation Army programs and services which are relied upon by vulnerable Australians, including Forbes residents, every day.

Capt Gallagher said the Red Shield Appeal doorknock is the Salvation Army’s major fundraiser for their social programs including drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, homelessness services, rural chaplains, women’s and children’s services, emergency welfare, financial counselling, suicide bereavement and prevention, rural support and many other services.

Spokesperson for the Salvation Army, Major Bruce Harmer said the annual Red Shield Appeal doorknock weekend has become part of the fabric of Australian society.

“By volunteering time or donating financially to the Red Shield Appeal, Australians, through the Salvation Army, are able to do their part and help make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate in society,” he said.

To volunteer for the doorknock, call 13 SALVOS (1372 58), register online at salvos.org.au/volunteer or contact the Salvation Army Forbes office on 6852 2133.