Shire Salvos Red Shield Appeal raises record amount

Joel Campbell, Associate Pastor at Shire Salvos - Menai, said the group, which consists of Salvation Army branches at Menai, Miranda, Panania, Helensburgh and Engadine, raised $118,736 during its May fundraiser, breaking all records.

Even more surprising, the volunteers weren't able to do their usual "door knock appeal" this year due to COVID-19, so half the funds were raised online via a Digital Doorknock.

The other half was raised at collection points set-up at major sites including Bellingara Netball Courts, Miranda Westfield and the Menai Marketplace.

Mr Campbell said: "We want to say a huge thanks to the community, for their generosity. We were pretty blown away [with the result]. Our target was $70,000 so to get almost $120,000 is unreal."

Every week, the Shire Salvos supports over 100 community members and their children, as well as 10 other charities and schools, providing them with hot meals, toiletries and non-perishable food.

The funds raised for the Red Shield Appeal - the Salvation Army's main annual fundraiser - will be used to expand the local group's financial crisis assistance offerings to more people.

"With this greater amount of money we will be able to do what we do to a greater capacity," Mr Campbell said.

"This will provide anyone struggling financially with support, as well as provide transitional housing for any vulnerable individuals and families.

"One of our key focus areas is any family suffering from domestic violence."

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm, the Salvos and One Meal Sutherland Shire get together at Salvos Miranda, 23 Kiora Road, Miranda, to provide hot meals, and fresh food and groceries through their Community Co-op.

"Because of COVID, more people than ever are coming to us who previously haven't asked for assistance," Mr Campbell said.