With COVID-19 weighing heavily on our community, 75 of Australia's most loved, respected and familiar faces have recorded a personalised video message to rally support for the Salvos' Red Shield Appeal.
The stunning array of champions, performers, media stars and kitchen legends are playing their part in the Red Shield Appeal's attempt to raise $35 million by June 30.
The list of big-hearted supporters features the likes of surfing legend Layne Beachley, TV stars Hamish Blake, Sonia Kruger and Ray Meagher, cricketers Justin Langer and Pat Cummins, dual AFL Premiership and Brownlow Medal winner Adam Goodes, celebrity chefs Maggie Beer and Gary Mehigan, singers Samantha Jade and Dami Im, comedians Adam Hills and Glenn Robbins and many trusted voices from across TV, news and the airwaves.
The debut of unprecedented celebrity power coincides with the launch of the Salvos first Digital Doorknock, a response to COVID-19 after 55 years of knocking on doors each May.
In his video, Hamish Blake says, "This year, more than ever, The Salvos are on the front-line helping families that are doing it tough."
The Salvation Army's, Major Bruce Harmer says, "With our Appeal going digital for the first time in its history, we're very excited to have so many high-profile Aussies lending their support to the Red Shield Appeal, especially given the huge need Australians are facing at this time."
This years Red Shield Appeal is more important than ever with The Salvation Army anticipating some of the greatest need seen in its 140-year history serving Australians.
"The Covid-19 crisis has financially crippled many Australians and it will take months to see the real impact it will have. By donating to our Appeal, you will ensure The Salvation Army will have the resources to help Aussies in need, not just now but in the trying months to come", says Major Harmer.
Over the past year, The Salvation Army provided more than 1 million sessions of care to Australians in need; helped 46,000 people experiencing homelessness, provided financial counselling to more than 65,000, offered care to 13,000 people who were coping with family violence and served 500,000 meals and refreshments to first responders and displaced people during the recent Bushfire crisis. *
"We thank everyone who will donate and the 75 famous Aussies who have backed our Appeal. Together, let's leave no one in need," says Major Harmer.
The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal aims to raise $8 million and will take place this weekend, May 23 and 24.
To leave no one in need, please donate by visiting salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 72 58.
