Cade Lucas
While inflation has eased and interest rates have begun to come down, the Salvation Army is warning the cost of living crisis is far from over as its annual Red Shield Appeal fundraiser gets underway.
Running until the end of June, this year’s Red Shield Appeal has a national fundraising target of $38 million, while in Hobsons Bay, Captain Paul Trotter said the Salvation Army is hoping to raise $15,000.
“At the moment that money will go towards supporting our community lunch which is a free of charge meal we offer once a week to people in need,” said Captain Trotter of what initiatives Hobson Bay donations will go towards.
“It also helps us supply food for our pantry.”
But ultimately the money would help the Salvation Army make ends meet, just like the help they give others, Captain Trotter said.
“Even for us the costs have increased,” he said..
“We normally would spend 30 bucks to supply our community lunches, but now we’re spending $50 to $60 on average.”
Captain Trotter said the benefits of lower inflation and interest rates had yet to filter through to households.
In fact, he argued the situation had gotten worse since he arrived from Colac to head up Hobsons Bay Salvation Army at the beginning of the year.
“In that period I’ve seen an increase in people from when I first started to now,” Captain Trotter said.
Those who want to donate to this year’s Red Shield Appeal can do so now online or at the Salvation Army’s Altona thrift shop.
And while the appeal no longer features any household doorknocking, Captain Trotter said there would still be opportunities to donate loose change.
“In the week of May 19 to 25 we’ll have two static locations, one at Coles in Williamstown and the other at Central Square in Altona Meadows,” he said.
“On May 24 we’ve also got a barbecue at Bunnings and we’ll be collecting at an intersection in Yarraville.”
To donate: digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/o/hobsons-bay-salvos
