The Hunter business community gathered at a corporate luncheon at Nex recently to celebrate the work done locally by the Salvation Army and kick off fundraising for this year’s Hunter Red Shield Appeal.
Hunter Red Shield Appeal Committee Chairman and Business Hunter CEO, Bob Hawes, said the annual luncheon demonstrates the Hunter business community’s generosity and support for the life changing work of the Salvos.
Bob acknowledged the difficulties for many in the business and broader communities but urged the gathered business and community leaders to do what they can to help those less fortunate.
“Every week the Salvos support hundreds of people in Newcastle and the Hunter in crisis with financial counselling, skills training, drug and alcohol addiction services, food, and accommodation,” Bob said.
“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 Hunter,” he said.
Almost 300 people attended the event. 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 Damien’s unit drove over an improvised Taliban bomb. He suffered horrendous injuries and had both his legs amputated.
Local women Bekki and Rachel shared stories of how the Salvos had helped to turn their lives around in an interview with Lake Macquarie real estate agent and City of Newcastle councillor John Church.
Wests Group again donated its venue and lunch to support the fundraiser. Port Waratah is another long-term supporter. Nine NBN Television News Presenter, Natasha Beyersdorf, donated her time to emcee the event.
Salvation Army, Local Area Officer Major, Mark Everitt, thanked the business community and local committee for its ongoing support.
Mark said after a tough few years, communities are still feeling the impacts of multiple disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 domestic violence have increased in the past 12 months due to economic insecurity,” Mark said.
“It is reported that 1 in 4 women in Australia will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and it is the largest cause of women and children becoming homeless in Australia,” he said.
“Over the past 12 months, The Salvos supported around 5,800 women and children impacted by family and domestic violence nationally, including in the Hunter,” Mark finished.
Now in its 56th year, the Red Shield Appeal is The Salvos flagship fundraising appeal and is aiming to raise $1.8M 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.
- provides 887,500 crisis beds to people experiencing..
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 for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.
IMAGE | Port Waratah, Acting CEO, Trudie Larnach and Hunter Red Shield Appeal Committee Chairman, Bob Hawes.
