THE Salvation Army in the New England north-west is calling on locals to dig deep and get involved in the Red Shield Appeal this year, raising vital funds to support those in the region who are doing it tough.

Salvation Army external communications manager for NSW, Major Bruce Harmer, said Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal is in its 62nd year and aims to raise $41 million nationally.

“We know people are doing it really tough in our community right now, as global uncertainty coupled with further increases in the cost of living locally puts an incredible strain on individuals and families,” Major Harmer said.

“We know many are on the edge of breaking point as they struggle to make ends meet.

“That is why we are calling on those in the New England north-west to dig deep, get involved in the Red Shield Appeal, and be the hope our community desperately needs right now.”

The funds raised in the New England north-west for the Red Shield Appeal will stay in the local community and used to meet the needs faced by those who are struggling and need a hand.

“There is no better way to support those doing it tough than by donating or volunteering with us this year,” Major Harmer said.

“We can’t do our work in the community without you, so we are calling on people to partner with The Salvation Army this Red Shield Appeal and see the powerful transformation that takes place when we come together to support our fellow Aussies in need.”

The Red Shield Appeal culminates in the Red Shield weekend – May 30 and 31 – and there are a number of ways to get involved throughout the month of May, including volunteering by collecting at local shopping centres and other locations, door knocking, online fundraising, organising a collection at your workplace, school or sporting event and making a donation.

The Salvos across the country are aiming to recruit an army of 15,000 volunteers for the Red Shield Appeal this year, so please reach out to your local Salvos to find out more about volunteering opportunities by visiting Be The Hope Red Shield Appeal.

Across Australia last year, through The Salvation Army’s network of over 400 centres and 2000 services in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship and much more, the Salvos provided assistance to one person every 17 seconds; more than 1.74 million sessions of care to over 228,000 people in need; over 1 million nights of safe accommodation; and more than 1.4 million meals to those who accessed our homelessness services.