Shake, rattle and donate for the Salvos

THE Salvation Army Bendigo are encouraging residents and businesses to donate to this year’s Red Shield Appeal, head out to shake a bucket, or rattle a tin.

The Greater Bendigo Salvos campaign has a goal of generating tens of thousands of dollars to support community members in need, with a particular focus on domestic violence in 2022.

Established in recent years, the Digital Doorknock continues, however volunteers are back out seeking donations in the traditional way at shopping centres and supermarkets for the first time since the pandemic.

“Although we’re focusing on awareness of domestic violence this year, Red Shield Appeal funds do go to all services we provide,” The Salvos’ Lieutenant Graham Kennedy said.

“We’re finding because of COVID that we have increased cases of domestic violence where people are locked in together, and it was very hard to move people around because of COVID policies, but those restrictions have lightened now.

“Food insecurity is also a focus. Many more people who are working are coming in with mortgage stress, and they’re concerned about potential recession.”

Cost of living pressures, the presence of COVID-19, and the effects of natural disasters continue to place families in need of support across the country, and put the Salvation Army’s emergency relief services in high demand.

All funds donated to a local Red Shield Appeal go towards emergency relief programs like the homeless service, food distribution, bills and utilities assistance, family and domestic violence support, the school lunch program, disaster relief, and the alcohol and other drugs peer support group.

A $40 donation could ensure a family setting up a house has the kitchen supplies they need, $75 will feed someone who is homeless for one week, $150 can ease some pressure on residents who can’t pay their household bills, and $400 will cover a student’s school supplies and uniform for 12 months.

Thousands of campaigns are running across the country as part of the Red Shield Appeal, with communities aiming to generate funds for their own residents.

Visit bit.ly/3N18dQT to donate to the Greater Bendigo Salvos fundraising campaign and fill a few ‘digital buckets,’ or find out more information.

Between 2020 and 2021, The Salvation Army helped more than 300,000 people in need.