Christmas Appeal launches with new research
2 December 2014
The Salvation Army has launched its Christmas Appeal with the release of new research about our work in 277 community support services across Australia.
The report shows the extent of Salvo's assistance to people doing it tough through the provision of emergency relief – which includes food vouchers, food parcels or
We are the largest funded provider of emergency relief across Australia.
In 2013:
- More than 170,000 people were assisted with material aid and financial counselling
- We spent more than $36 million on emergency relief – including more than $20 million of our own funds
- Almost 50% of people assisted were families and individuals struggling in private rental accommodation
- Almost 50% of people assisted were parents with dependent children
In December the Salvos assist three times more people compared to any month.
Salvation Army spokesperson Dr Bruce Redman says, “While Christmas is a joyous time for most, many vulnerable families and individuals in need find it a very challenging time. For instance, some don’t have a safe place to sleep or a family to greet them on Christmas morning.”
This Christmas you can help struggling people in your community by:
- Donating online
- Purchasing the Myer Spirit of Christmas CD online or in any Myer store
The 2014 Christmas Appeal was officially launched on Monday 1st December at The Salvation Army’s Flagstaff Crisis Accommodation Centre for homeless men in Melbourne along with key corporate partners Myer and Kmart and Australia’s Got Talent star