A LACK of community volunteers hindered the Salvation Army’s fundraising efforts as its signature Red Shield Appeal fell short of expectations on the weekend.
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Just over $7600 was raised, well below the $12,000 raised in Bathurst for the appeal last year.
The national initiative is held to raise funds that help support the Salvation Army in its work throughout the year.
After the efforts of school-children and volunteers over the weekend, the Bathurst branch of the organisation was able to raise $7,608.10 in donations so far.
While the preliminary figure calculated at Westpac Bank yesterday wasn’t as high as she was aiming for, Lieutenant Penny Williams said she was still pleased with the amount raised.
“I’m happy with it. We can only do what we can do, and that’s fine,” she said.
The money was raised through door-knocking by volunteers and at static collection points throughout the city.
Not many community volunteers signed up to collect money for the appeal, but the void was filled by generous school students and service drivers.
They were able to raise more than $3000 by visiting houses in the city.
“We had students from MacKillop and St Stanislaus’ College – we had about 70 kids and they’ve done quite well,” Lieut Williams said.
“We had maybe a couple [of volunteers] come from the community, but I know we’ve received a lot of donations at the static points.”
Bathurst resident Harold Chamberlain volunteered for the Red Shield Appeal for the first time this year after hearing about the Salvation Army’s need for more community volunteers.
He went door-knocking in two areas of Bathurst over the weekend, collecting more than $300 for the organisation.
“I am impressed by the generosity in Bathurst,” he said.
“Any money they could spare for the cause will go a long way towards helping people in need.”
Lieut Williams expressed her thanks to the Bathurst community for their support of the Red Shield Appeal, including those who may have sent in postal donations, which are yet to be counted.
“Thanks to Bathurst, whether they’ve given their time or donations, for their generosity towards the appeal,” she said.
Those who were unable to donate during the course of the Red Shield Appeal can still give money to the organisation by visiting www.salvos.org.au or calling 13 SALVOS.
