After raising $18,000 last year through different collections and events, the Echuca Moama Corps hope to do one better and raise $19,000.
They will be fundraising with another trivia and auction night and weeks of collection points across town.
Aldi, Beechworth Bakery, and Woolworths in Moama and Echuca West will serve as collection points from Monday, May 13, until the end of the month.
“100 per cent of what is raised goes directly to us for welfare programs,” Echuca Moama Corps auxiliary-lieutenant Sonia Edwards said.
“We spent $20,000 last year helping people with things like utility and medical bills, swags for homeless people.
“Even things like fuel — say if you need to get to a medical appointment in Bendigo.”
The Red Shield Appeal raises funds for Australians facing financial hardship, with more than 250,000 people receiving almost $25 million in assistance last year.
The Echuca Moama Corps will be hosting another trivia and auction night, off the success of previous years.
It is on Friday, May 24, at 6.30pm for a 7pm start at Echuca Workers. Tickets are available from The Salvation Army Thrift Shop for $25.
“We’ve run the event the past couple of years, and it’s been successful; people were asking us to do it again,” Sonia said.
“People have had a lot of fun, so we’re hoping to do the same again this year.”
Last year’s event had 52 auction prizes donated by local businesses, and they are looking to secure more donations for this event.
“If anyone would like to donate, that would be great.
“We are very, very grateful for the support of the town. Not just the businesses, but the people in general,” Sonia said.
“It’s just fantastic ... lots of people are asking for money (for different causes) and they still give.
“It blows my mind away.”
While the Red Shield Appeal is often associated with door-knocking, the Echuca Moama Corps do not have the volunteer numbers for this.
They are looking for volunteers to help at their collection points this year.
Sonia can be contacted at sonia.edwards@salvation-army.org.au or on 0427 666 155.
The Salvation Army Thrift Shop is at 119 Ogilvie Ave, Echuca VIC 3564.
Echuca Workers is at 165 Annesley St, Echuca VIC 3564.
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