The money raised from the Red Shield Appeal doorknock will go towards The Salvation Army’s vast network of social services. 

In a typical week, the Salvos provide more than 17,000 beds for those suffering homelessness, 40,000 meals, 1400 financial counselling sessions and refuge for more than 100 women affected by domestic violence.

Parkes’ new Salvation Army officers, Lieutenants Cameron and Maryanne Lovering, are encouraging locals to support the cause. 

They’ll be collecting for Red Shield outside Woolworths and Forbes Bernardi’s supermarkets next week, then hitting the street over the weekend. 

You can volunteer to help by calling the Salvos on 68522 133 or online at salvos.org.au

The Loverings arrived in the area in January, after studying in Sydney at the Salvation Army Bible College. 

They’ve enjoyed a very warm welcome to Parkes and Forbes, and had a busy few months meeting people and building relationships with other local services. 

“We’re getting to know the community, find out what the needs are, trying to find how we can work alongside others,” Cameron said.

They are also seeking volunteers to help work in the Parkes and Forbes Salvation Army stores where they sell second-hand furniture and new and used clothing: you can ask for more information about that if you see Cameron during Red Shield Appeal.

Red Shield Appeal data says just $28 helps children at risk of homelessness participate in an after-school program, $60 provides a food hamper so that a struggling family doesn’t have to go hungry, and $79 provides one day of support for a family to find a home. 

You can donate by calling 13 72 58, online at salvos.org.au, at any Westpac branch or Salvos Stores or by posting your cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.