Thursday 5 April 2012

Prime Minister Gillard and The Red Shield Appeal

This morning I had the pleasure of hosting a group of businessmen at breakfast. We were gathered for the launch of the 2012 Red Shield Appeal for The Salvation Army. This year's appeal aims to raise $81.5m across Australia.

The appeal was launched by the Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, who spoke fondly of her memories as a child, when her mother was an employee of The Salvation Army here in Adelaide. She spoke about the care that she saw in the home where her mother worked (Sunset Lodge in Kingswood), the community that was created there, and even put in a good word for The Salvation Army as an employer.

It is hoped that this morning, and the subsequent events and ultimate doorknock and collection week, will be a catalyst for greater service in our nation. This appeal is a major means of support to the ministries of The Salvation Army that transform lives, care for people and reform society. Our local mission centres here also benefit. About 50% of our Community Support Services budget is funded through Red Shield Appeal funds, meaning that we are reliant on the appeal to maintain the good work we do as we shine God's light in Adelaide's south.

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