THE Salvation Army will hold its annual Red Shield Appeal this weekend.
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The organisation relies on the appeal to help fund the work it does in communities right across Australia.
"Many people turn to The Salvation Army for assistance, but our services are continually being stretched, so we rely on donations to help keep our doors open," a spokesperson for the Salvos said.
"Funds raised from the Red Shield Appeal will allow the Salvos to help support families in crisis, people experiencing homelessness, women and children fleeing domestic violence, break the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction, help troubled youth and provide emergency relief in times of disaster."
An increasing number of people, including families, are being forced to make agonising financial decisions every day, the spokesperson said.
"Decisions like whether to eat or to seek medical help for illness. After paying rent and other bills, they have very little left over to meet basic needs."
Locals are being asked to give generously at public collection points and, in their homes, when the Salvos' collectors come knocking at the weekend.
To volunteer or donate to the Red Shield Appeal, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (137 258).