Red Shield Appeal: Volunteers come knocking

A handful of spare change will make all the difference this weekend when volunteers from the 2015 Red Shield Appeal come knocking.

About 100,000 volunteers will collect for the Salvos’ biggest fundraiser of the year, aiming to raise $74 million for essential community support programs.

Melbourne Central spokesman Evan Cassidy said the generosity of people of the western suburbs helps The Salvation Army continue its support for more than one million Australians in need.

“If you see any of our volunteers at selected intersections, or you get a knock on the door over the weekend, we hope the local community can rally to donate and help the Salvos support those most in need,” he said.

The Salvation Army in Victoria helps about 2000 people every day, providing crisis accommodation, as well as warm blankets, food and emotional support to hundreds of people sleeping and living rough.

It provides more than 600 social programs and activities, including out-of-home care for vulnerable children, disability services, addiction services and help for people affected by homelessness, family and domestic violence, emergencies and natural disasters.

Donations can be made in person at any Westpac Bank branch or via salvationarmy.org.au or 13 72 58.

To sign up to volunteer a few hours to door knock, contact Ashley Carr of the Footscray Outreach Salvos on 9396 1622.