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Hunter business community gathers to launch Red Shield Appeal

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The Hunter business community gathered this week to celebrate the work done locally by The Salvation Army and kick off fundraising for this year’s Red Shield Appeal.

Hunter Red Shield Appeal Committee chairman Bob Hawes said the annual luncheon, which took place at NEX on Thursday, demonstrated everyone’s generosity and support for the life-changing work of The Salvos.

“Every week the Salvos assist hundreds of people in Newcastle and the Hunter in crisis with financial counselling, skills training, drug and alcohol addiction services, food and accommodation,” he explained.

“By supporting the Salvos, we can give hope to people in our community who need it most.

“Every cent raised in the Hunter Red Shield Appeal is spent on services in the region.”

More than 300 people attended the event on 28 April.

The guest speaker was ex-Commando and Afghanistan war veteran, speaker, author and actor Damien Thomlinson.

In April 2009, while serving in southern Afghanistan with the 2nd Commando Regiment, his unit drove over an improvised Taliban bomb.

He suffered horrendous injuries and had both his legs amputated.

Local women Bekki McCormac and Rachel* also shared stories of how The Salvos had helped to turn their lives around in an interview with City of Newcastle councillor John Church.

Wests Group again donated its venue and lunches while Port Waratah is a continued sponsor of the fundraiser.

Nine NBN television news presenter Natasha Beyersdorf freely gave her time to emcee the event.

The Salvation Army local area officer Major Mark Everitt thanked the business community and local committee for their ongoing support.

“After a tough few years communities are still feeling the impacts of multiple disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“In this year’s appeal, The Salvation Army is also highlighting the shadow pandemic that’s destroying lives: family and domestic violence.

“Sadly, risks of DV have increased in the past 12 months due to economic insecurity.

“It is reported that one in four women in Australia will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and it is the largest cause of women and children becoming homeless in Australia.

“Over the past 12 months, The Salvos supported about 5,800 women and children impacted by family and DV nationally, including in the Hunter.”

Now in its 56th year, the Red Shield Appeal is The Salvos flagship fundraising appeal and is aiming to raise $1.8 million in NSW to be used on the vital services in the local community.

Each year, The Salvation Army’s nationwide network of services:

  • Assist one person every 17 seconds;
  • Supports three people every minute; and
  • Provides 887,500 crisis beds to people experiencing homelessness.

The Salvos need community members to volunteer or support the local Red Shield Appeal in any way they can during May.

To donate or volunteer, or if you need assistance from The Salvos, visit www.salvationarmy.org.au or phone 13 SALVOS.

You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

*surname withheld and no image to protect privacy

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