Salvos hopeful of increased business support

Business donations to the local appeal have decreased by almost 50% over the past six appeals to $60,752 in 2009, down from $119,843 in 2004.

“Revenue for businesses generally has decreased over the past few years,” said Red Shield Appeal Central Coast Chair, Louise Duff.

The Salvation Army spend $1.6 million each year on providing services to the Central Coast. The region remains one of the few in Australia that generates less revenue for the Salvos than it spends.

Services provided locally by The Salvation Army include:

·         Selah Farm at Berkeley Vale – drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre for women

·         Counselling service – support and advice to help anyone through any personal issue

·         Oasis Youth Centre at Wyong – a positive and encouraging environment for local youth

·         Women’s Crisis Centre in Gosford – there for local women when they need help most

·         Court Chaplain at Wyong – providing guidance during often emotionally and spiritually challenging court environment

·         Emergency Services - providing meals and support to firies, SAS and other emergency services workers while they are working, and victims of emergencies and disasters

·         Street Mission – caring for the homeless by offering practical support to significant number of local people living on the street

·         Family Tracing Service – reconnecting families across borders and generations

·         Salvo’s Care Line – a free, confidential, 24-hour telephone counseling service for everyone

“The Salvos are there when people need them most, in times of crisis and emergency,” said Louise. “Their practical and hands-on approach to helping people overcome their issues has changed thousands of lives locally.”

The goal for business donations to the 2010 Central Coast Red Shield Appeal is $93,200.

“I ask all local businesses to consider making a tax deductable donation to this year’s appeal,” she added.

The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal runs over May and June, with the famous Doorknock Weekend occurring on 29 and 30 May.

Central Coast Red Shield Appeal will be opened by former McDonalds, Optus and John Fairfax CEO Bob Mansfield at the annual business breakfast to be held at Mingara on Tuesday 11 May.

You can donate to the Appeal by posting a cheque or money order to PO Box 1764, Gosford 2250.  Donations are also accepted online via The Salvation Army’s secure website www.salvos.org.au or by their telephone hotline 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

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