Volunteer wanted to door knock for Salvos
The appeal will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 29 and 30, with this year’s national target set at $9.7 million.
Salvation Army appeals director, Major Jeff Winterburn, said although times had improved economically for many Australians, the struggle still continued for those the Salvos assisted.
“The most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community are only the first to be impacted by an economic downturn, but often the last to recover from its added impacts,” Major Winterburn said.
“We need to reach our goals if we are to maintain our vital social programs in the year ahead, including providing crisis accommodation, support for families in need and emergency services.”
Former champion rugby league player Steve Edge is leading the charge in Sutherland Shire.
Mr Edge, who captained St George and Parramatta to five premiership victories and played in the first State of Origin match, is the region chairman for the appeal.
A Salvation Army volunteer for more than 20 years, Mr Edge, of Yowie Bay, said it had been a pleasure, not a chore to help out.
“Whenever I see a drama, the Salvos are always there, no matter what the situation,” Mr Edge said.
“They are always on the job first hand and we need to raise as much money as we can to keep their programs running.”
Having encouraged his family and friends to join him each year, Mr Edge said the doorknock appeal had become quite competitive.
“There’s always a bit of fun involved as each year we try to see who can collect the most,” Mr Edge said.
“It works pretty well as we are trying to beat each other while raising as much money as we can for the Salvos.”
With many schools and service clubs already committed to lending an hour or two of their time for the appeal, Mr Edge said they still needed more volunteers.
“People are quite responsive when we knock on their door, but if there is no one to knock then no one is going to give,” Mr Edge said.
“At the end of the day, if we don’t reach our target then that’s just one less part the Salvos cannot contribute to.”
Details: To volunteer contact Phil Bates, 9570 5556 (work hours), or Salvos