SEVEN in 10 Australians will be watching their spending more this Christmas as The Salvation Army launch their annual Christmas Appeal.
This year the Appeal aims to raise $27 million to support the Australian community doing it tough during the festive season.
The Salvation Army was founded in East London in 1865 but its roots in Ipswich are strong with Ipswich Corp of the Salvation Army founded in 1885.
The Salvation Army’s Major Bruce Harmer said:
“The Salvos can’t continue to do our work without the support of the Australian public.”
In August this year, Ipswich City Council granted a concession for general rates for the Salvation Army’s Salvos Stores warehouse at Carole Park, enabling the charity to continue its good work in the Ipswich community.
Ipswich City Council Finance and Governance Committee Chair Councillor Paul Tully said council was proud to support Salvation Army and the notable difference they made in the community.
“During the 2022 floods, local Salvation Army officers provided around 3,000 meals to impacted Ipswich residents.
Salvation Army has consistently shown up for our community during hard times.
Major Harmer said Christmas was the busiest time of year for The Salvos.
“It is a time that allows us to support people in their time of need, not just practically but also emotionally,” he said.
“While Christmas can be a time of joy and connection, for some, it can be a time of increased loneliness and isolation.”
During the Christmas period last year, The Salvation Army nationally received over 330,000 gifts and toys for families.
It provided more than 184,000 meals to those experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, The Salvation Army provided more than 92,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation during the festive season.
