More than 300 members from the Hunter business community gathered on April 28 to celebrate The Salvation Army’s dedicated work and to begin fundraising for the 2022 Hunter Red Shield Appeal.
The luncheon was hosted at Nex in Newcastle West, where The Salvation Army celebrated its 56th annual Red Shield Appeal, which aims to raise $1.8 million in NSW this year.
Hunter Red Shield Appeal Committee chairman, Bob Hawes, said the annual luncheon demonstrated the Hunter business community’s generosity and support.
“By supporting the Salvos, we can give hope to people in our community who need it most,” Hawes said.
“Every cent raised in the Hunter Red Shield Appeal is spent on services in the Hunter.”
Hawes said The Salvation Army supported hundreds of people in crisis from Newcastle and the Hunter every year through financial counselling, skills training, drug and alcohol addiction services, food and accommodation.
The luncheon was emceed by Nine NBN news presenter, Natasha Beyersdorf, and featured special guests like Afghanistan war veteran, speaker, author and actor, Damien Thomlinson, who lost both of his legs in 2009 while serving in Southern Afghanistan.
A few community members also shared their stories of how The Salvation Army helped turn their lives around during a special interview with City of Newcastle councillor, John Church.
The Salvation Army local Area Officer, Major Mark Everitt, said he appreciated the ongoing support from the local business community and the Hunter Red Shield Appeal Committee.
Major Everitt said the community still felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the major disasters that occurred before and after it.
“Sadly, risks of domestic violence have increased in the past 12 months due to economic insecurity,” Major Everitt said.
“It is reported that one in four women in Australia will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and it is the largest cause of women and children becoming homeless in Australia.
“Over the past 12 months, The Salvos supported around 5,800 women and children impacted by family and domestic violence nationally, including in the Hunter.”
It costs The Salvation Army around $2.4 million every year to provide services in the Hunter.
The Salvation Army is looking for community members who can volunteer or support their local Red Shield Appeal in any way they can during May.
To donate, volunteer, or for support, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.
Hayley McMahon