Red Shield Appeal
Every 17 seconds, The Salvation Army in Australia helps someone in need. And this help is made possible through the generosity of people like you, who support the Red Shield Appeal
People are facing a real struggle to survive right now. Increased inflation, successive interest rate hikes and the growing housing crisis over the past year have resulted in an unsurmountable mountain of financial and personal stress for many. Read more about the cost-of-living crisis facing Australia right now.
The Salvation Army has walked alongside Australians for over 140 years — providing shelter, safety and support to those in need. Over the last year, we assisted over 250,000 people and dispensed financial assistance worth almost $25 million dollars to Aussies impacted by crisis, disaster and hardship.
But the challenge continues.
This year, as we celebrate 60 years of the Red Shield Appeal, we ask you to support us, so we can give Australians hope and help for a new beginning.
No parent wants to be without a home
When she called the Salvos, Sarah* and her children had nothing. No money. No toys. And suddenly, nowhere to go.
Read Sarah's story
A bright new beginning
A single mother and daughter, who lived with a challenging chronic health condition, were only just getting by, crammed in a small granny flat at the back of a friend's house.
Read Jessica's story
From homelessness to hope
Pregnant and without a home, Hayley’s family was doing their best to survive. A courageous call to the Salvos for help gave them a new beginning.
Read Hayley's story
The Salvos need your help
This Red Shield Appeal we need your help more than ever! There are many ways to get involved- whether it be knocking on doors, collecting in your local shopping centre or starting a digital fundraising page, you can play a vital part.
Learn moreRed Shield Appeal: Frequently Asked Questions
The Red Shield Appeal runs through the months of April, May and June each year. In 2024, the national Doorknock will take place on 25 and 26 May.
You can donate to the Red Shield Appeal online, or in person. You can also sign up to fundraise on our behalf, or volunteer to help us raise funds.
In 2023, almost 15,000 dedicated volunteers helped us raise valuable funds for much-needed programs and services that vulnerable Aussies seek every day.
Red Shield Appeal funds help The Salvation Army deliver vital community programs and social services, such as:
- Emergency financial assistance
- Refuge for women and children in crisis
- Shelter and support for those facing homelessness
- Crisis, transitional and long-term housing
- Youth drop-in centres and support programs
- Emergency and disaster relief (immediate support, all the way to long-term recovery)
- Drug and alcohol addiction recovery and rehabilitation support
- Employment training programs
- Chaplaincy
In FY2022-23, The Salvation Army*:
- Assisted more than 250,000 people and provided more than 1.67 million sessions of care to people in need
- Provided nearly $25 million in financial assistance to people in need
- Assisted more than 38,000 people and provided over 317,000 sessions of care to those at risk of or facing homelessness
- Emergency services (SAES) assisted nearly 30,000 people and provided over $5.5 million in assistance to households impacted by disaster such as flood, bushfires and cyclone
- Moneycare financial services assisted more than 13,000 people with financial counselling
- Youth services assisted more than 4500 young people and provided more than 72,000 sessions of care to youth in need
- Assisted more than 36,000 jobseekers look for employment
- Doorways emergency relief and community services assisted more than 127,000 people and provided more than 300,000 sessions of care to those in need of food and material aid.
*Source: The Salvation Army, Annual report FY2022-23
Your support can help give a new beginning
Hardship, poverty and isolation are causing a social crisis in Australia right now. Hayley and her family found hope after homelessness with help from the Salvos. You can give the gift of a new beginning to more people like Hayley when you give to the Red Shield Appeal.
Donate now