The Salvos' annual Red Shield Appeal will look a bit different this year with Hunter residents being urged to set up a "digital bucket" to raise money for the service.
The Salvation Army wants to recruit 10,000 collectors across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, either as "Digital Doorknockers" or the usual face to face volunteers for their annual appeal on May 29 and 30.
It comes after a switch to an entirely online campaign last year during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The service is aiming to raise $135,000 across the Newcastle region with all funds raised locally staying local.
People can sign up now and start by asking friends and family to donate to their digital bucket or volunteer to collect in the community over the Red Shield Appeal Weekend.
For those looking to help out in person, the Salvos are encouraging community volunteers to partner with them at local supermarkets, Bunnings stores and sporting grounds with their iconic red donation buckets.
After the devastating impact of COVID-19 in 2020, the service says it is seeing some of the greatest need in its history, making this year's fundraiser vitally important.
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"The Hunter community has always faithfully backed The Salvos, and this year we need people to volunteer and raise funds to ensure that we can continue the work in the community for years to come," The Salvation Army Hunter and Central Coast area officer Mark Everitt said.
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Money raised locally this year will help enable the continuation of community programs including the Newcastle Oasis and Worship Centre, which offers emergency support to locals in need, along with the Money Care financial counseling service, Oasis youth services, drug and alcohol counseling, case management, food hampers and emergency relief services and support.
Donations will also support local Salvation Army Disaster Recovery and Emergency Services.
For information on how to donate or for help, visit salvationarmy.org.au
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
