Volunteers wanted for Red Shield Appeal

The Salvation Army's 2013 Red Shield Appeal will run over the weekend of May 25 and 26 and the Salvos are calling for volunteers on the Peninsula to assist with this year's Appeal.

"The Central Coast is one of the few regions in Australia where the expenditure on local services far outweighs the funds raised," explained Central Coast Red Shield Appeal chair Ms Louise Duff.

"This year, the Salvos have set themselves a Peninsula doorknock target of $53,500, with an aim to mobilise 500 collectors across the Peninsula.

"The Salvation Army will spend over $3.6 million this year on Central Coast services and in order to try and reach our 2013 goal, we are urging people to donate their time as collectors so we can knock on as many doors as possible.

"Volunteering only involves a commitment of two or three hours and we are encouraging people to form teams to collect.

"Simply doorknocking the streets around your home is an easy way to get to know your neighbours, whilst benefiting the community as a whole at the same time.

"The Salvation Army is pleased to have the continued support of the Peninsula community with a number of local businesses and organisations in the area pledging volunteers.

"The local Schools have also jumped on board to support the Appeal, with many students donating their time to volunteer.

Peninsula Doorknock Committee chair Mr Richard Sharpe said that without volunteers, the Appeal would be nowhere near as successful as it has been year after year.

"We are so proud every year of the support from the Peninsula community and we look forward to the continued support.

"We urge residents, businesses and workplaces to get together and register to volunteer so the Salvos can continue their wide range of social and community services, assisting those who are disadvantaged in our society," said Mr Sharpe.

Media release, 24 Apr 2013

Richard Sharpe, Red Shield Appeal