The need for emergency relief and community support in Ballarat will continue to increase, according to crisis support workers, as the city’s population and cost of living grows.
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The Salvation Army launched its Red Shield Appeal in Ballarat on Wednesday, a fundraising campaign to maintain and expand Salvation Army community support services across Australia.
Salvation Army Ballarat Community Church director of ministries Major Andrew Van Gaalen said money raised in Ballarat was put toward Ballarat services.
“If we didn’t have the Red Shield Appeal, Salvation Army wouldn't be here. It is as simple as that,” he said.
If we don’t get the money we can’t help people.
- Major Andrew Van Gaalen
Salvation Army Ballarat invited welfare organisations and contributing businesses to attend a three course lunch at the Cafe 102 Meals Program to celebrate the launch. The meals program runs on a Tuesday and Thursday offering a nutritious three course meal for those experiencing food insecurity.
The program has seen an increase in visitors since the beginning of the year, from an initial 40 to 60 people now sitting down to lunch.
Salvation Army Ballarat also offers emergency food relief from the centre’s rescue food supermarket, and appointments for financial counselling, budgeting and general counselling.
Major Van Gaalen said there was a need to expand the centre’s services to assist more people, as financial counsellors regularly turned people away due to the limited number of appointments available.
“We do 100 appointments a week, but that is not including those we turn away,” he said.
“When I say turn away, we don’t turn them away with nothing. We turn them away with a food package. We just don’t have the funding at the moment to have more appointments. We would turn away anywhere between 15 to 20 people a day at times.”
The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal runs throughout April, May and June. The doornock takes place on May 26 and 27. Volunteers will collect donations at intersections and shopping centres in Ballarat over the next two weekends.
“My dream is that Ballarat would be going that great there would be no need for our services. But the reality is the Salvation Army will need to grow into the future,” Major Van Gaalen said.
“We are not willing to allow Ballarat to slide, and I don’t think it will. But we do have to address some fundamental issues. It is not just Ballarat that has to address them, it is the country.”
Salvation Army always welcome new volunteers. Contact Salvation Army Ballarat on 5337 0600 or visit salvationarmy.org.au/ for more information.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
