People happy to help Salvos

IT USED to be synonymous with the Geelong Football Club.Today, however, the acronym GFC, or global financial crisis, has taken on a new meaning, plunging the world into recession and costing workers their jobs.Which is why the work of the Salvation Army and its volunteers is more important than ever before."I have had plenty of donations," volunteer Ian Tournier said.Mr Tournier was one of more than a dozen volunteers in Ballarat, joining hundreds across Australia, to door-knock homes and weave through road intersections shaking tins to collect money.According to the Salvation Army, its services in the Ballarat district will cost $1.6 million this financial year, an increase of $100,000.The organisation works to help families in crisis, assist the homeless, provide grief counselling and help people with drug and alcohol addictions.It was hoped $90,000 would be raised from the weekend of tin shaking and door knocking in Ballarat.Mr Tournier, who was working at the intersection of Sturt and Doveton Streets near Target, said he was "surprised" at the level of support."It's been pretty good. Given the current economic circumstances I thought it would be quiet," he said."But maybe that is it, people are feeling under pressure themselves but still want to help."Donations can be made by visiting www.salvationarmy.org.au or calling 13 72 58.