Building healthy, safe, supportive spaces

INTEGRA has made a significant contribution to the 2021 Greater Ballarat Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal campaign, which has a focus on homelessness.

The property developer donated $5000 to the Salvos last week, which will stay in Ballarat to support residents accessing emergency relief via the Soldiers Hill homeless service, Doorways food distribution, bills and utilities assistance initiatives, the school lunch program, or the alcohol and other drugs peer support group.

Integra general manager Matt McCabe said his team has contributed to Appeal because their values align with the work of Ballarat Salvation Army officers and volunteers.

“We value building healthy, safe and supportive communities,” he said.

“The need for emergency assistance is growing. Working in housing, we know affordability is a big problem, and homelessness is a really valid issue we need to support.

“Having a roof over your head and the safe environment that a house brings is very important.”

The donation was made one week into the Appeal which has a local goal of $60,000 and will run until the end of June.

Major Craig Farrell from Delacombe Salvation Army was grateful to Integra for the “kick-start,” and is encouraging other businesses to follow in their fundraising footsteps in the coming weeks.

“It can seem a bit daunting at the start of the Appeal when we have such a significant goal, so that’s why we’re so thrilled a local business like this is helping out,” he said.

“It’s really encouraging at the beginning of the Appeal, and good to see a local business in Integra help us to help the community.

“Supporting the Red Shield Appeal in Ballarat is a way for businesses to give back to the greater Ballarat region through our local programs.”

Visit the Greater Ballarat Salvos Digital Doorknock page at bit.ly/3y1Nl4G to contribute.