When the Salvation Army holds its annual Illawarra Red Shield Appeal Business Appeal luncheon at City Beach Function Centre soon it will be an emotional day for many reasons.
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Communications and fundraising coordinator Karen Walker said the May 4 appeal launch for the business community will double as a farewell for one leader about to step down from his role.
“This appeal will be Michael Bassingthwaightes last as the appeal chairman,” she said.
Mr Bassingthwaighte recently announced his decision to retire as chief executive officer of Peoplecare in early July after 36 years.
Ms Walker said people such as Mr Bassingthwaighte and long time sponsor of the event Stacks Heard McEwan Legal recognised that hard times for some families can simply be just one pay cheque away.
Statistics reveal an ever growing number of families in the Illawarra area doing it tough and relying on Salvation Army support. In a typical week the it provides 100,000 meals, 2000 beds for people experiencing homelessness, distributes up to 8000 grocery vouchers and provides refuge for 500 people fleeing abuse.
“Our services on the front line are under increasing pressure. So many families are doing it tough. Thousands and thousands of families are making very difficult decisions about how to use the very little money they have. People’s lives can change so quickly. We are seeing all kinds of people who haven’t needed our help before. Some families are living off less than $17 a day after they have paid their rent. You can only imagine how much of a struggle that is. Many families are having trouble paying basic necessities like electricity, gas and food bills.”
Read more: Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal
Ms Walker said with the help of so many generous businesses and people the Salvation Army was able to stand alongside many people and families in need and offers unconditional support through a crisis and for the long haul.
People’s lives can change so quickly. We are seeing all kinds of people who haven’t needed our help before. Some families are living off less than $17 a day after they have paid their rent. You can only imagine how much of a struggle that is.
- Karen Walker
“We help with counselling, emergency relief, drug and alcohol treatment and homelessness services. We also offer women’s and children's services, financial counselling, suicide bereavement and much more,” she said.
Read more: Wollongong Salvos launch Red Shield Appeal
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
