The Salvation Army is calling on the Shoalhaven community to dig deep during its annual Red Shield Appeal door knock on the weekend.
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The local target is to raise $20,000.
Funds will go towards the charity’s vast network of social services to help those in need.
Salvation Army lieutenant Matthew Sutcliffe has been volunteering with the Salvos for many years, and continues to be amazed by the life-changing impacts of Salvos programs.
“For me, to see that transformation in people’s lives is a wonderful thing,” he said.
“Just on the weekend I had a coffee with someone who was going through rehabilitation a few years ago.
“He was telling me how he’s been sober now for 12 months, has a full time job and been saving now for a motorbike, there’s joy, excitement and life back in him.”
Locally, there are programs running for people battling addiction, and lately demand has been so strong that the program is full, and there is a long waiting list.
“Locally we have a pathways program connected to a recovery program with rehabilitation services,” Mr Sutcliffe said.
“That program is experiencing a large increase in demand, particularly for people wanting to break the ice habit.
“The demand is so large people are struggling to get in, we need more money to secure those places and increase beds.”
He thanked the Shoalhaven community for its continuous “love and support” of the Salvos, which has been operating here for 130 years.
If you would like to volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal, call 13 72 58 or register online.
Volunteers will meet at Salvos on the corners of St Anns and Salisbury Drive, East Nowra on Sunday at 9.30am.