Salvation Army

from CCBA April-May Edition 2021

Film

Support for those hit by fl oods

WHEN the Central Coast region was devastated by floods recently, the Salvos were in the thick of the action giving out vital support to people going through the worst time of their lives.

We all saw the heartbreaking scenes of people who lost everything as the terrifying Hawkesbury in fl ood ravaged the region. And the Tuggerah Lakes fl ooded again, inundating areas still recovering from the February 2020 devastation.

But, when the waters went down and the media spotlight moved on, people were left without hope, looking for an answer.

As usual, the Salvation team was there to take up the challenge of helping people in dire need.

The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams supported evacuees and fi rst responders by serving more than 3500 meals at evacuation centres.

The Gosford team packed hampers for delivery to the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney for NSW SES teams to deliver by boat to families cut off by fl oodwaters.

Major David Collinson, Salvos Public Relations Secretary for NSW, visited fl ood-aff ected areas and some people stuck in their homes or unable to get home.

“There is a lot of devastation as you drive to diff erent places. You see cars on the side of the road that have obviously been fl ooded. And there are things fl oating down the river that shouldn’t be in the river! But the communities are holding together really well – Aussies supporting Aussies,” Major Collinson said.

More than 60 food and supply hampers were provided to those isolated and aff ected by the fl oods around the Spencer township alone.

David Collison helps a local affected by floods.

Volunteers needed for Salvos Red Shield Appeal

THE Salvation Army is calling on the local community to volunteer with the annual Red Shield Appeal as they seek to recruit 10,000 collectors across the Central Coast.

Now in its 56th year, The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvos fl agship fundraising appeal which aims to raise $7M to fund over 2000 centres and services across Australia. In Central Coast The Salvos are aiming to raise $133 000, with funds raised locally staying local.

After the devastating impact of COVID-19 in 2020, The Salvos are seeing some of the greatest need in their history, making this year’s Red Shield Appeal vitally important.

The Salvos need community members to volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal this May in their local area, where all local funds raised will stay in the community.

“The community in the Central Coast have 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,” says Danielle Saines.

Money raised locally this year will help enable the continuation of community programs including the Dooralong transformation centre. Dooralong Transformation Centre is Australia’s largest drug, alcohol and gambling rehabilitation program. Based on the Central Coast, Dooralong provides residential support services in a drug-free environment to those suff ering from addiction.

Donations will also support local Salvation Army Disaster Recovery and Emergency Services.

The Salvos are also in need in-person volunteers to collect at local shopping centres and roadside collection points, for this year’s Red Shield Appeal to collect in the community. To volunteer in-person, contact Danielle at 0435 967 885 or visit www.volunteer. salvos.org.au

Last year, The Salvos across Australia provided over one million occasions of care to those in need, supported more than 40,000 people experiencing homelessness, distributed 1.5 million meals through our homelessness services, gave over 43,000 occasions of care to those experiencing family and domestic violence, and distributed almost $100M worth of fi nancial assistance to people doing it tough.*

Danielle Saines says: “The Salvos cannot do what we do without the generosity of the public in our community. If you have the means, please consider donating to the Red Shield Appeal or become a volunteer this year. Your generosity and support will help us to leave no one in need.”

To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

An end to homelessness is achievable, and the Salvos will continue to live and breathe this mission in our work with individuals and families experiencing hardship and crisis in communities across Australia. We are strongly committed to walking alongside people in need, providing vital support to overcome crisis and see a pathway to life transformation. By contributing to the Red Shield Appeal, you can support the ongoing work of The Salvation Army in the face of this crisis. Together, we can help end homelessness.

COMMITMENT TO RECONCILIATION The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present. Our vision for reconciliation is to be a faith movement committed to equity, freedom and the righting of injustice. SALVATIONARMY.ORG.AU To find out more please contact Major David Collinson - PR Secretary or Greg Donovan – Relationship Manager or email PRNSWACT@salvationarmy.org.au

I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE HOMELESS.”

Like many of us, Megan* never thought it would happen to her – she never imagined she would need to escape a violent relationship; she never imagined her own family would turn their backs on her; she never imagined she and her daughter would become homeless and have to live out of their car.

Right now, there are thousands of Australians like Megan* experiencing homelessness but going unnoticed. Couch surfing, living out of cars, staying in refuges or transitional housing and sleeping rough – they are often not represented in official statistics. In fact, for every person experiencing homelessness you can see, there are 13 more that you can’t see.