The West Melbourne community needs your support this Christmas - Dig deep for the Salvos Christmas Appeal to help give hope to those in need

The Salvation Army

5^th of NOVEMBER 2024

The West Melbourne community needs your support this Christmas

Dig deep for the Salvos Christmas Appeal to help give hope to those in need

The Salvation Army is launching its annual Christmas Appeal in the West Melbourne region allowing The Salvos to help those in the local community who are struggling during the Christmas season.

The cost-of-living crisis has been intensifying, with more Australians reaching out to The Salvation Army for support. This means that The Salvos’ Christmas Appeal is vitally important this year, as its aim to raise $27 million nationally.

“Christmas is the busiest time of year for The Salvos, and this year we expect the need in the community to be immense. For many, celebrating Christmas might seem out of reach due to the rising cost of living, with some on the brink of homelessness and others fighting to pay the bills. The Salvation Army want to be there to support those in need this Christmas and give people the Christmas they deserve. Whether it is practical support like food or presents, or if you are feeling down or lonely this Christmas, please reach out to us at The Salvos,” says Major Warren Elliot the Salvation Army's External Communications Manager for Victoria.

There are many ways that you can partner with The Salvos to support your community this Christmas, including lending a hand, donating products such as gifts and food, or offering a financial donation to the Christmas Appeal. The Salvation Army also host a number of special community celebrations during the festive season.

For more information on how you can support the Salvos this Christmas, or to find out about local Salvos Christmas events, please contact your nearest Salvation Army centre in the West Melbourne area or visit salvationarmy.org.au.

“The Salvos are looking to give a new beginning to those doing it tough in our community this Christmas, but we can’t do that without the generosity and support of others. It is now such an important time to come together as the West Melbourne community and lend a hand to those in need of support. Please consider supporting The Salvos this Christmas,” says Major Warren Elliot.

Whether gift-shopping or looking for Christmas decor, there’s always something special to be at Salvos Stores. Not only will you save on your Christmas shopping, but 100% of the profits raised support The Salvos community work across the country. It is good for the planet and good for people in need.

“It has been a tough year for everyone, so this Christmas we encourage you to remember what is most important– connection with others, joining in community, and sharing with your friends and family. And if Christmas is a hard or lonely time for you, remember that your local Salvos family is always here. From all of us at The Salvos, we wish you a peace and hope-filled Christmas,” says Major Warren Elliot.

During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally:

• received over 330,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without,
• provided over 184,000 meals to those experiencing homelessness,
• and provided more than 92,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation during the festive season.*

To find out about local Christmas event information, to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store.

ENDS

To organise an interview or photo opportunity with your local Salvation Army, please contact The Salvation Army’s Media Relations Department on (02) 9466 3143.

*The Salvation Army, Christmas data summary report September 2024