The Salvation Army’s Western Victorian Divisional Public Relations Secretary Captain Craig Wood said the community of Ballarat have always given generously to the Red Shield Appeal, and this year their support is critical in raising $70 million nationally ​to help one million Australians in need each year.

“Our volunteers and donors are invaluable in enabling the work of the Salvos and anyone in the Ballarat community who is able to donate a few hours of their time to help raise funds will have a real and significant impact on the lives of others.”

Major Andrew Van Gaalen of the Ballarat Community Church says Salvation Army members will be collecting at intersections over the weekend, but they are still looking for volunteers to assist.

“We really need Ballarat people to assist us. In the past it has been very encouraging to see how freely people have given their time and energy. They are fantastic.

“We raise about $50,000 from the Red Shield Appeal in Ballarat, but we always need more. It’s important to remember that every dollar raised by us stays in Ballarat.

Major Van Gaalen says the Ballarat Community Church offers everyday relief, financial counselling and food programs to people everyday.

“It totals about 6,000 episodes a year of people seeking help – that’s just the Community Church. There are other networks as well.”

Captain Craig Wood says there are currently over 105,000 Australians experiencing homelessness.

“Every donation to the Red Shield Appeal brings us one step closer to helping find safe and permanent homes for vulnerable members of the community, and ultimately preventing homelessness across the state,” he said.

On any given night in Australian one in 200 people are homeless and on average, The Salvation Army assists around 2,000 ​people every night through crisis accommodation and provision of essential supplies such as warm blankets, food, and emotional support.

To volunteer or donate call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)​or register online at salvationarmy.org.au.