Salvation Army Chaplain Darryl Flaherty and Salvation Army member Norma Jessup.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The crucial second month of the 2025 Red Shield Appeal, typically the Salvation Army’s busiest collection period, has just concluded.
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Here’s how Shepparton fared.
Shepparton Salvos have collected just a little over $5768, as opposed to last year’s $9000, highlighting the increased need for community support.
“This year, we’re very aware that more people are struggling, and they’re not able to be as generous with us,” Shepparton Salvation Army corps officer Major Scott Smallacombe said.
“And we’ve seen that, sitting in the supermarkets, where some days we would expect the car parks to be full — they weren’t.
“A Saturday morning, in previous years, car parks were full the whole time. One year turning over, it was probably a third full.
“I think it’s a symptom that people in Shepparton, and all around Australia, actually, are doing it tough.
“For those who don’t have the means to (donate), fully understand why they are not able to support us right now, a lot of people are finding it really tough.
“If you’re needing our support, please come and talk to us and we’ll see how we can support (you).”
But while the team won’t be popping up around town, community members can still contribute to this year’s remaining Red Shield Appeal by dropping by or donating online.
“I think I’d just love to give a big thanks to all our volunteers who’ve been out collecting,” Mr Smallacombe said.
“Other days have been oppressively cold and they’ve just sat there and engaged with the community and represented us really well.
“For some of our people, they really enjoy it, because it, particularly for some of the elderly people, it gets them busy and they talk all day to each other and to everyone coming in.
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