Dear Ed,
What a huge six months we have had. As we continued to battle the worst drought in the past 100 years, suddenly the most devastating bushfires our country had ever seen hit. Then came a pandemic.
COVID-19 struck out of the blue and financially crippled the nation. Not only did it bring economic hardship, it also brought extreme grief and loss, acute loneliness, and uncertainty.
Indeed, COVID-19 brought out some qualities we would prefer to forget; fighting for toilet paper, hoarding grocery items and stockpiling medicines. But it has also managed to bring out some our best qualities. Like our ability to rally together when the chips are down and looking out for one another – the true-blue Aussie spirit of mate-ship.
This is certainly what The Salvation Army has been seeing over the past few months. With The Salvos 55th Red Shield Appeal taking place, we have witnessed incredible generosity, camaraderie and mate-ship.
Because of COVID-19, we could not knock on doors, but everyday Aussies still dug deep and supported us through our digital doorknock. For this, The Salvation Army says, “Thank you”.
Not surprisingly, we are seeing increased demand for our services across the country, while anticipating even greater need to come. Be assured our staff and volunteers remain committed to serving Australians in need.
Recently, there have been people who have never needed The Salvos before who have reach out for help. We know how tough it can be reaching out for help the first time. To you and others who need a hand, please know The Salvos are here, free of judgement, discrimination, and prejudice.
The Salvation Army’s frontline services have been hit hard by COVID-19 and we know many Australians have been impacted too. Any support you can give to The Salvos Red Shield Appeal at this time will assist Australians in need across the country.
If you need assistance or would like to support The Salvos Red Shield Appeal, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
We again thank you and declare our longstanding commitment to being good stewards of your financial support, always transparent and accountable and to ensuring each dollar given has the highest possible impact on The Salvos’ work with vulnerable Australians.
Together, let us leave no one in need.
Lt. Col Neil Venables
The Salvation Army’s Communications Secretary