Trent Zimmerman (North Sydney, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This coming weekend, thousands of volunteers across Australia will be joining the Salvos in knocking on doors for the annual Red Shield Appeal. The Salvation Army does such incredible work for those who need a helping hand, and the Red Shield Appeal is vital to their efforts to support the most vulnerable in our community. The generosity of Australians during the Red Shield Appeal allows the Salvos to provide, in what is just a typical week, 100,000 meals to the hungry, 2,000 beds to the homeless, support for 1,000 people trying to find work, refuge for 500 people who are the victims of abuse, support for 500 people with addiction problems, and aged-care services to nearly 3,000 elderly Australians. I repeat: that's just in one week.

The Red Shield Appeal is a major logistical undertaking, and I want to thank the many organisations who lend their support, from Rotary clubs to the thousands of school students who volunteer. I want to encourage residents in my own electorate of North Sydney to give generously on the weekend and at collection points in local shopping centres. Residents can also donate online by simply typing 'Red Shield Appeal 2021' into their search engines. I've had the honour of being the Red Shield Appeal area chair for Northern Sydney for several years now, and I've been inspired by both the work of the Salvos and the volunteers who support them. I know the Salvos' work is more important than ever, so please give generously this weekend. Together, let's help the Salvos help Australians.