Tara Murray
With growing pressure on the family finances, Sunshine Salvation Army is disturbing $2000 a week and 20 to 30 food packages to local families.
As the annual Red Shield Appeal kicks off, there are more and more people seeking help.
Salvation Army Sunshine captain Colin Reynolds said the Red Shield Appeal is just as important as ever.
“The nature of what we are going through, it’s really important,” he said.
“Every year is critically important, but the demand we have had for welfare services this year is astronomical.”
“There is unprecedented demand.”
Mr Reynolds said they were seeing many people seek support for the first time in their lives, as it hits people hard.
He said that many people were ashamed that they were having to get assistance.
“We are getting people coming in who are asset rich, but cash poor,” he said.
“We’ve got retirees who live in Sunshine in their own home, but the pension isn’t enough to cover the basics.”
The Sunshine Salvation Army will be collecting money for the appeal between now and May 21. They will be set up at the Sunshine Marketplace and Maribyrnong Bunnings.
They will also look to do some fundraising at the Caroline Springs Bunnings.
Mr Reynolds said they were hoping to raise as much money as last year, but are aware that many people are struggling.
He said their mantra was that they know people are struggling, but they don’t want people struggling alone.
“Last year raised just over $10,000,” he said.
“Ideally we would like to get the same again, but we are mindful that it is tough at this time.
“We don’t hassle people and we don’t want to put anyone under stress.
“Whatever people can give, we appreciate.”
