Lieutenant Star Conliffe has been a Hobsons Bay Salvation Army Corps (HBSAC) officer for over four years and says this year’s Red Shield Appeal is more important than ever.
“We are seeing a lot more people in stress in terms of paying their bills and rent, some pensioners are skipping meals because they cant keep up with rent increases,” she said.
Each year the Red Shield Appeal runs during May and June, giving people the opportunity to donate to a much needed cause.
In Hobsons Bay, locals will be able to donate at Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows and Coles in Williamstown until Sunday, May 21, on Sunday, May 21 at Woolworths in Williamstown and Bunnings in Altona from Saturday, May 27.
This year the HBSAC hopes to raise at least $10,000.
“Donations will primarily go to our Laverton soup bank, the weekly community lunch and community pantry,” Ms Conliffe said.
The HBSAC works with church and local services but primarily deals in the food relief sector.
“Every dollar we raise will stay local and will be used for our ongoing programs of food relief,” she said.
The HBSAC hosts a number of food outreach services that are solely run by volunteers, including an outreach barbecue, a weekly community lunch and a community pantry.
“At a local level we are able to provide holistic care because we have people trained on identifying needs that go beyond food services,” Ms Conliffe said.
She encourages people to drop a coin in the bucket and have a chat to find out more.
For residents who may not be able to get to a donation point, there is a website where funds go directly to the HBSAC.
Details: www.digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/o/hobsons-bay-salvos
Jennifer Pittorino
