Red Shield Appeal to begin door knocks in Geraldton

If you can spare some change, keep it handy when you are out and about in the next two weeks because The Salvation Army volunteers will be rattling their tins for their annual Red Shield Appeal.

Lieutenant Jeff Milkins from Salvation Army Geraldton said the appeal would provide much-needed funds to the Christian organisation’s social programs in Western Australia, which included such services as homeless shelters, drug and alcohol programs and food distribution.

In Geraldton, the small church congregation of about 25 people supports the Geraldton Family Crisis Centre, which distributes food, provides advocacy and assists people to manage their finances, find accommodation and other needs.

“In Geraldton, the need is huge. It’s been getting bigger in the past couple of years. We struggle to meet the needs that the people come with. That’s why the appeal is so important,” Lt Milkins said.

“We are hoping for a generous response because people know that the money will be fed back into helping the community.”

He said the biggest issues locally that brought people to the crisis centre was the tight economy, unemployment and drug habits — particularly ice.

“And the general cost of living; it’s getting harder and harder for people to make ends meet, especially for those on welfare,” he said.

Lt Milkins said a small number of volunteers would visit door-to-door in some residential areas seeking donations while he, his wife Lieutenant Jacqui Milkins and church members would volunteer at static collection points in public places, such as at shopping centres, during the fortnight starting today.

“Keep an eye out for us at collection points around town, or for our volunteers knocking on doors,” he said.

The Salvation Army has been in Australia for more than 130 years.

One of the world’s largest Christian social welfare organisations, it has more than 8500 active officers and staff delivering in excess of 1000 specifically designed social programs nationwide, which help more than 1 million Australians every year.