The Salvation Army kicks off Red Shield Appeal in Newcastle with Launch Event

2nd May 2025

EMBARGOED 5 am Tuesday 6th May

The Salvation Army kicks off Red Shield Appeal in Newcastle with Launch Event

On Tuesday 6th May, The Salvation Army in the Hunter is launching this year's appeal urging the local community to get involved in raising vital funds to continue supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our region.

This year's keynote speaker is Rod McGeoch AO, with Natasha Beyersdorf as Master of Ceremonies. 

The Red Shield Appeal is now in its 61st year, with the Red Shield Appeal Launch event aiming to raise $316,000 to support and fund Salvos services in Newcastle & the Hunter. These funds are vital to support essential local services that assist people experiencing homelessness, family and domestic violence, financial hardship, youth challenges, drug and alcohol addiction and more.

"The Salvos have the privileged position of supporting those in Newcastle & Hunter who are doing it tough. People are really struggling at the moment, and we can't help them without the generosity of our local community. You can be the hope that people in our community need right now by giving generously to the Red Shield Appeal this year," said Bob Hawes, The Salvation Army Hunter Red Shield Appeal Chair.

Last year, through its national network of over 400 centres and 2,000 services, The Salvation Army provided:

• Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
• More than 1.76 million sessions of care to over 250,000 people
• Over 1.1 million nights of accommodation
• More than 1.5 million meals to people experiencing homelessness

All funds raised locally will remain in the local community, allowing the Salvos to meet the specific needs of the most disadvantaged and marginalized members of our region.

WHAT             61st Red Shield Appeal in the Hunter

WHEN             Tuesday 6th May from noon

WHERE           Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX)

                        309 King Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302

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For more information and interview opportunities contact Lyn Thurnham lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au Ph: 0418 490 989

To donate to The Salvation Army's Hunter Red Shield Appeal, please visit   www.salvationarmy.org.au/rsanew. You can also donate at any of The Salvation Army locations across Newcastle & Hunter.

To 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.