He first came to the Salvos for assistance seven years ago. The organisation has since supported him through university, where he studied horticulture.

The Salvation Army volunteer will be collecting for the organisation’s Red Shield Appeal, which launched on Tuesday.

Mr Baguley volunteers for seven Ballarat organisations including Royal South Street and the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Centre. 

“I returned from when I was living away and I didn’t have anything and I didn’t know anyone,” he said.

“The way the Salvos helped me I thought ‘you’ve got to give something back, you can’t just put your hand out all the time’.

“You always feel better when you ask for something and receive, when you give something in return.”

Mr Baguley urged people to feel confident seeking assistance. 

“I’ve never, ever been belittled by people so don’t feel ever embarrassed,” he said.

Last year Ballarat raised just over $48,000 for Red Shield Appeal but received 10 times that from the national appeal, Salvation Army Community Church pastor Andrew van Gaalen said.

This year they hope to raise $60,000. In the last financial year the Salvos assisted 6568 people and distributed $172,000 worth of parcels.

“It’s a lot of money, don’t get me wrong but it’s nothing to what’s put back in. The last 12 months in the Ballarat region, over $490,000 was put back into Ballarat.”

The Salvos’ services in Ballarat include emergency relief, financial counselling and emergency and medium-term accommodation for young families and women and children fleeing family violence through SalvoConnect Western.

Major van Gaalen is urging people to donate the cost of a cup of coffee to the appeal.

“To the Ballarat community, we can do more. Give us the price of a cup of coffee and we can do more,” he said.

Donations can be made online at www.salvationarmy.org.au or to volunteers at shopping centres and intersections until May 27. Ballarat Salvation Army is also seeking volunteers from now until May 27. Volunteers will also be needed throughout the week to collect donations. To register as a volunteer or for more information contact Andrew van Gaalen at corpsofficer.ballarat@aus.salvationarmy.org or call 5331 4450.