Coast residents are being asked to dig deep for this year’s Red Shield Appeal, with too many Queenslanders struggling to make ends meet.
This year’s appeal aims to raise $5.5 million in Queensland to help fund more than 150 services across the state.
In 2022, the Salvation Army Sunshine Coast region assisted more than 1750 people and provided more than 3600 sessions of care to people in need.
The organisation also distributed nearly $246,000 in financial assistance including gift cards, vouchers and household bill assistance to people in hardship.
Salvation Army Queensland divisional commander Major Gavin Watts says the need is greater than ever before.
“For many Queenslanders who are doing it tough, the Salvos are often their last line of defence,” Major Watts says.
“We will always be there to give them a hand, whatever their circumstances may be, so that nobody has to struggle alone.”
New research to coincide with the appeal reveals that in the past 12 months, 91 per cent of Queenslanders who reached out to The Salvation Army are struggling to afford basic living necessities.
Of this, nearly 71 per cent of households with children are living $200 below the poverty line, meaning that after paying for essential living costs, families are living on $5 a day for other expenses.
To donate to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store.
By the numbers
Recent Salvation Army research reveals 47 per cent of people who turn to the Salvos for help cannot afford essential healthcare. Meanwhile, 57 per cent are skipping meals to save money and 77 per cent of those in need are experiencing housing stress.
