The Salvation Army is calling for people in the Ballarat community to support the Red Shield Appeal in a new way this year, as volunteers will not be knocking on doors or rattling tins due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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The Red Shield Appeal is going digital this May and residents can become online fundraisers to help support the provision of much-needed food relief and other services in Ballarat.
Salvation Army Ballarat team leader John Clonan said a new demographic of people were presenting for emergency relief since COVID-19 hit.
We really don't know what is going to happen in the future or how many people are going to be affected or unemployed post-COVID-19.
- John Clonan, Salvation Army Ballarat
He said 50 per cent of the people who have required assistance in the past five weeks have been affected by unemployment due to COVID-19.
"We expect there will be an incremental increase to this each week," Mr Clonan said.
"We really don't know what is going to happen in the future or how many people are going to be affected or unemployed post-COVID-19.
"People are struggling financially because they have in some way been affected by COVID-19, whether it is employment, isolation at home, other unexpected expenses and financial difficulty.
"That is the reality of it."
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Mr Clonan said all money collected through the Red Shield Appeal in Ballarat stayed in Ballarat, to support emergency relief and welfare programs.
"If you would normally give funds to the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal in May, there won't be any people out rattling tins, so it would be good if people were able to make a digital donation," he siad.
"Any donation would be greatly appreciated to be able to sustain the services we provide to Ballarat.
"Particularly because there is less food being collected through the supermarkets at the moment, so we are having to purchase more food. The Red Shield Appeal would certainly support that as well."
RELATED COVERAGE: Homelessness doubles due to fallout from coronavirus pandemic
Those in need of assistance can contact Salvation Army Ballarat on 5337 0600.
Takeaway meals are available from the Salvation Army Ballarat Community Church at 102 Eureka Street on a Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm. Around 60 people present for takeaway meals on each of those days.
This week, takeaway meals will also be provided on Wednesday, thanks to the support of Country Casseroles.
The Salvation Army is also offering the delivery of food vouchers and food parcels for those in isolation with the support of City of Ballarat.
Visit digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au to sign up and volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal.
Visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) to donate.
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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.
