WITH the need for their services and support greater than ever before, The Salvation Army is launching its 60th Red Shield Appeal in Hervey Bay.
New research has highlighted the depths of the cost-of-living crisis, with 94 per cent of respondents saying they are struggling to afford essentials, such as housing, groceries, medical care, and utilities.
Sixty-three per cent of respondents had skipped meals and 45 per cent had to choose between paying for housing or buying food.
Shockingly, the research also found over 1 in 4 (27 per cent) of respondents were forced to consume expired or spoiled food, while 1 in 20 had to eat food from rubbish bins.
A 33-year-old mother who accessed support, said: “I’m having to constantly borrow money off friends due to not being able to buy essentials. I’m having to go days without eating so my kids can eat, cancelling specialist appointments that are a requirement for my health due to the cost of living.”
The research surveyed 1,500 people around Australia who had reached out to the Salvos Doorways financial relief service over a 12-month period.
It showed 61 per cent of respondents could not afford to pay their utility bills on time, more than six times the national average of 10 per cent.
Across Queensland, the Salvos are aiming to raise $5.7 million and $10,000 in Hervey Bay for the Red Shield Appeal, which is now Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal.
The Salvation Army’s Major Lauriee Arthur said the numbers were frightening. “In a lucky country like Australia, individuals and families shouldn’t have to make these sorts of decisions, like choosing whether to eat, pay rent or send your kids to the doctor. But these are the people the Salvos help every day as we try to give a new beginning to those struggling in our community,” he said.
The Red Shield Appeal weekend is May 25 and 26, but there are many volunteering opportunities throughout the month of May – collections in shopping centres or other key locations, online fundraising or organising a collection at your workplace, school, or sporting event.
“Hervey Bay needs your support more than ever. The Salvos are grateful for the generosity we have received over the past 60 years of the Red Shield Appeal, and we hope to see our community come together again this year as we seek to make it another 60 years” Major Arthur said.
All funds raised locally will remain in the local community, allowing the Salvos to meet the specific needs of the most disadvantaged and marginalised members of our region.
To give a new beginning, please donate to The Salvation Army’s 60th Red Shield Appeal by visiting salvationarmy.org.au or calling 13 SALVOS.
You can also donate at any Salvos Store.
