The Salvation Army Urging Hunter Families to Dig Deep this Christmas

BY SARAH JAMES

The Salvation Army is calling upon the Hunter to give back this Christmas as part of their annual appeal, with local families doing it tougher than ever.

Research commissioned by the Salvation Army has revealed that approximately 1.6 million Australians are unable to afford presents this Christmas.

During the holiday season, the Salvation Army is aiming to help more than 300,000 people by serving 10 000 meals and giving around half a million gifts.

Salvation Army area officer Mark Everett says donations are desperately needed in order to meet the high demand.

For those looking to contribute to the cause, presents can be donated at any Newcastle Permanent Branch until the 20th of December.

Salvation Army launch Red Shield Appeal

BY DANIELLE RIES

The Salvation Army today launched their 2017 Red Shield Appeal at Wests Club New Lambton at 12 pm.

Hunter businesses will come together to help raise some much-needed funds for the Salvos social welfare programs which help families get through some difficult times.

The appeal runs throughout May with iconic doorknock scheduled to take place on May 27th and 28th with residents urged to get involved with the initiative.

The Red Shield Appeal Director Major Gary Masters says the funds raises will go towards families going through hard times.

"It goes towards helping those who are doing it tough, and Australias who are really struggling in a whole lot of situations.

"There are so many people doing it tough out there, and we need help from the community to help fund the services we provided including councilling, emergency relief, drug and alcohol treatment, homeless suport and crisis financial planning".

Major Masters also states volunteering isn't the only way the community can get involved.

"There's a couple of ways the community can help the Salvation Army. What we'd love them to do is when they see a collector out on the street on the 27th and 28th of May is to drop a few dollars into the bucket or the bag.

"Alternatively they can go online to www.salvos.org,au and make a donation there. Or phone through a donation on 13 72 58".

Credit- Salvation Army Official Website

Red Shield Appeal raises over $200,000

The Salvation Army has announced it raised more than $200,000 across the Hunter over the weekend

600 volunteers door-knocked around the region as part of the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock Weekend

The Salvation Army says it attempted to cover as much of the Hunter region as possible however not all doors were knocked.

If you would still like to donate to the appeal you can do so by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58 67)